Muscle tightening in the calf – causes, treatment and prevention

The changes in the muscles can often be perceived on the outside as a lump or bulge. The exertion of pressure in particular is perceived as painful. There are different therapeutic approaches that can be practiced at home. Normally, a doctor’s visit is only necessary when the pain is very severe. Ultimately, a muscle tightness in the calf is a muscle strain. This is triggered, for example, by overexertion during sport.

But other factors cannot be ruled out either. The position has a local framework and has mostly developed in slow increments. Muscle hardening remains for a few days or weeks. While the tension is in place, calf movement is often associated with pain.

causes

In most cases, a sporting overload is to blame for the tension. It results from a tight contraction of the muscle fibers that takes place over a long period of time. The muscles are supplied by fine blood vessels, the capillaries. As a result of the strong tension, the capillaries are compressed, which means that the muscles can no longer be optimally supplied with blood.The circulatory disorder results in inflammation, which in turn leads to further tension in the affected muscles. At the same time, it is the cause of the cramping pain. The tension is caused by overloading or unfavorable movements. The body is no longer able to release the tension on its own. In addition, a misalignment can be to blame for muscle hardening.

In addition to tension, pinched nerves and osteoarthritis are possible causes. Due to these factors, muscle hardening in the calf is less common. However, they cannot be categorically excluded.

Diseases

• tension

• If one

• X-legs

• overload

• sports injuries

• nerve block

Diagnose

In most cases, muscle hardening can be detected by palpating the affected tissue. The muscle hardening is often expressed by a knot in the musculature. In addition, the typical stabbing pains indicate the presence of muscle hardening. Those affected also complain more and more about cramps . Normally, the diagnosis can already be made at home from these points of view. Only when the pain gets out of hand and normal everyday life is severely restricted should those affected consult a doctor.

This also applies if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies. Doctors can make the diagnosis quickly. The basis for this is the physical examination. The palpation identifies the pressure-sensitive areas. These can also be moved. If the suspicion cannot be confirmed, X- ray or CT images can provide information. In particular, hardening caused by incorrect or excessive strain heals in most cases without further complications. However, the healing process takes a few days to weeks.

complications

A muscle hardening in the calf usually heals completely spontaneously without therapy or with the help of supporting methods such as massages, ointments or warm baths. However, complications cannot always be ruled out. If the muscle hardening in the calf is the result of an accident, for example, in which a bruise (hematoma) has formed, this can lead to adhesions in the tissue. These are not always resorbable by the body, so that in rare individual cases a minor surgical intervention is necessary to remove them.

A typical complication often arises when the patient tries to lengthen the muscles again by stretching them too much, or when athletic people start training again too quickly after a muscle hardening in the calf. Here the already tense muscle cannot follow the required movement and as a consequence the complication of the muscle fiber tear arises . Incidentally, this also happens with sudden movements in everyday life, for example when the patient starts running spontaneously, for example to catch a bus.

The calf muscle is involved in all running movements, so that spontaneous starts from the muscle hardening in the calf quickly cause a tear. The risk is particularly high in everyday life, because in such situations the calf muscle is often cold and therefore susceptible to injury.

treatment and therapy

Home remedies are primarily used for muscle hardening in the calf. These include heat, for example in the form of a hot water bottle or hot bath, and massage. Warm compresses, saunas and infrared light can also help. The massage should be carried out carefully and not excessively exceed the pain threshold.

Light stretching exercises are also recommended . In the case of severe muscle hardening, in particular, this should not be exercised independently the first time. Instead, it’s a good idea to learn the basics of stretching from a physical therapist so you can eventually practice them on your own. It is also important when stretching that no excessive pain is triggered. If it is not possible to assume certain positions, those affected should not force their bodies to do so.

In addition to external applications, it is also of great importance to adjust the fluid intake. Liquids containing minerals have a dissolving effect. If home remedies are unsuccessful, medical options are also available. These include, for example, magnesium supplements. In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed. The aim of the medication is to achieve a relaxing and loosening effect.If the doctor could not find a medical reason for the muscle hardening in the calf, it must have been caused by overloading. The training methods should be analyzed in detail in order to be able to avoid stressful movements in the future. If the sport is really the trigger for the hardening, it is only possible to avoid further hardening by taking such measures.

outlook and prognosis

Hardening of the muscles in the calf can be solved within a short time in most cases. A targeted massage of the calves, warm wraps and protection of the legs reduce the symptoms. After a few days, you will be free of symptoms if your legs are not heavily used.

In the case of a nutrient or vitamin deficiency , the hardening resolves when the body is supplied with the missing element in a sufficient form. In order to avoid a recurrence of the symptoms, the blood values ​​must be monitored at regular intervals. A malposition of the body or incorrect loads on the skeletal system can trigger the hardening. Relief of symptoms occurs as soon as changes in posture or movements are initiated. Within a few weeks, the person affected can be free of symptoms if they carry out targeted exercises regularly and in a disciplined manner.

If the muscle fibers are damaged or diseased, the prognosis depends on the underlying disease. In most cases, good medical care will alleviate the symptoms. The prospect of complete healing must be assessed individually, as this is not the case with muscle atrophy and comparable diseases. In these cases, the treatment plan aims to prevent the symptoms from spreading or to delay the progression of the symptoms for as long as possible.

prevention

Muscle hardening in the calf can be prevented. Athletes in particular should pay attention to their fluid intake. Magnesium intake is also important. During vigorous physical activity, the need for magnesium increases. Certain foods and lozenges help prevent deficiency. In addition, you should never forget to warm up before the actual workout . Towards the end of the training session, stretching exercises should be integrated into the sporting program. The muscles should be protected from the cold, especially during sporting activities that take place outside. Warm clothing will help prevent hypothermia . Since these damage the muscles, functional clothing should be used in winter.