In the section Diseases, Medicines, to the question Why sometimes it feels like the calves of the legs and soles are burning and twisting, asked by the author Bolyan Nefyodov, the best answer is The causes of pain in the calf sometimes need to be looked for in the foot, if a person has a high arch or flat feet, or is wearing uncomfortable shoes. Pain can also be caused by a tear in the muscle or Achilles tendon, as well as inflammation of the tendon, scientifically known as tendinitis.
1. Magic formula. This formula consists of four components: rest, ice, contraction and height. For a day or two, give the injured calf rest, apply ice to it for 20 minutes every 2 or 3 hours, tighten the leg with a plastic bandage and raise it above the level of the heart. After the first 72 hours, you can warm the eggs with moist heat (hot water bottle), moist heat is more effective than dry heat.
2. Rub and bandage. As soon as the swelling subsides, rub the sore calf with a pain-relieving balm (Bengay and Finalgon are both suitable), put a soft plastic cover on it, such as a plastic bag, and wrap it with an elastic bandage. This way, your calf will be warm and your muscles will not cramp. You can walk as long as you like with this bandage.
3. Stop by the pharmacy. To relieve pain and reduce inflammation in an injured calf, use over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. If you still need to take medication after a week, contact your doctor.
4.Use heel pads. If your calf pain is caused by an injury, reduce the pressure on your heel. Heel pads can reduce stress on tendons and muscles. You can make them yourself. To do this, just cut out pieces of cork 6 cm thick and put them in your shoes.
6.Comfortable shoes are your ally. If calf pain is not caused by an injury, changing your shoes can solve many problems. The tips below will help you on your shoe shopping trip.
7. Train your calves. As much as possible, wear sneakers. If you must wear shoes while on duty, put them on only when you come to work.
10. Wear insoles. Insoles can relieve up to 30% of the load when walking.
11.Use arch supports. Arch supports, which are installed in shoes under the instep of the foot, help correct balance problems that affect your gait. These walking irregularities lead to additional stress on your calves.
But it is best to consult a doctor first to avoid various consequences.
There are also more serious medical reasons for calf pain. These include phlebitis and intermittent claudication (Charcot's syndrome). The first disease is inflammation of the veins, the second is narrowing of the arteries, as a result of which not enough blood flows to the lower part of the legs. These diseases, naturally, must be treated by a doctor. But if you have injured your calf muscle or the reasons for the pain are not so serious, you can do a lot on your own.
5.Constrain yourself. Avoid activities that place additional stress on your calves, such as climbing hills and cycling, until your calves are completely back to normal.
8. Break up with stiletto heels. If you prefer stiletto heels, avoid them. Heels should not be higher than 4 centimeters. But, if you are used to walking in stiletto heels, you should not switch to low heels in one fell swoop. This change can also cause pain in your calves.
9.Check your shoes. Change worn out shoes. Sole abrasion, especially on running shoes, can lead to calf pain. If the sole thickness has decreased by 3 mm, buy a new pair or replace the sole.
12.Stretching and strengthening your calf muscles will help prevent future pain. This doesn't require any special effort. Just warm up your muscles properly before exercising. It is better to perform exercises immediately after a hot shower.
But it is best to consult a doctor first to avoid various consequences.
Deficiency of certain minerals in the body: magnesium (which takes an active part in transmitting nerve impulses to muscle cells), calcium (it is a physiological companion and partner in the work of magnesium).
Lack of vitamin D, necessary for good absorption of magnesium and calcium.
Night cramps are provoked by varicose veins, flat feet, and excessive stress on the legs during the day, for example, during intensive summer work. As well as stress, prolonged excessive muscle tension - this most often happens among athletes.
Osteochondrosis of the spine - with this disease, compression of the nerve fibers emerging from the spine can occur, innervation is disrupted, which leads to pain.
Being in a stuffy room, overtired.
Local hypoxia is an insufficient supply of oxygen to the tissues of the extremities.
Prolonged stay in cold water, hypothermia.
Low blood glucose levels, overdose of glucose-lowering drugs in people with diabetes.
There are many factors that contribute to the body losing important minerals.
Eufillin and insulin also promote the removal of magnesium from the body's cells.
Constant stressful situations lead to calcium loss. But calcium is needed for the normal functioning of the nervous system; it helps muscles quickly relax.
Pregnancy - when carrying a baby, a woman needs twice as many important microelements as the norm.
Increased sweating means that magnesium also leaves the body, which is why cramps make themselves felt more often in the summer.
A diet high in protein foods slows down the absorption of calcium.
Disturbance in the functioning of the parathyroid glands, which regulate the flow of calcium into the blood.
If the pain is very severe and the cramp does not go away, pinch the painful area several times. Then massage your leg yourself (or ask your relatives to do it). Movements - rubbing, patting, should be done from the tips of the fingers towards the heel. And then the movements go upward - to the knee. Then you can lie down with a cushion under your feet. If you don’t have a roller, roll up the blanket. This position will prevent further occurrence of cramps.
You can rub your sore feet with homemade apple cider vinegar, tincture of golden mustache (or Kalanchoe leaves) or warming ointments. Finalgon, Capsicam, and Vietnamese balms are suitable.
My grandmother, when cramps appeared, applied a magnet to the sore spot - a kind of magnetotherapy.
If cramps bother you often, then reconsider your diet, eat more white cabbage in the form of salads, chickpeas, drink an infusion of Ivan tea.
Stand sharply on your toes, lifting your heels off the floor. Hold this position for a few seconds and then quickly lower your entire foot. Five repetitions is enough.
Sit down, draw your toes towards your foot, that is, bend your toes for 10 seconds, then straighten them for ten seconds. 10 repetitions are enough.
Of course, such gymnastics must be done barefoot. Jogging is very good at preventing cramps.
Bend your fingers, then sharply straighten them, and then actively move them.
While sitting, step your feet - either put them on your toes, or on your heels.
While sitting, stretch your legs, and pull your toes so that a straight line is formed, then pull your toes towards you, that is, pull your foot towards you. Alternate movements.
Ten slow steps in the same place, and when you lift your leg, smoothly extend your foot with your toes down.
When cramps occur at night, it is difficult to get enough sleep. Try to prevent such painful sensations by following the simple recommendations given in the article.