The calf is comprised of two muscles —the soleus and the gastrocnemius. They play a key role in helping you walk and run. So, when these muscles are affected, they cause tightness or soreness in the lower leg. So, if you ever feel tingling or numbness in the calf and leg, or your calf aches when you walk, it means that you may have sore calves. It can result from a number of causes, including foot conditions, cramps, and, most importantly, overworking the muscle. Now, in case you live in or around Mandurah, you can easily get rid of sore calves by visiting Peel Podiatry Clinic. Our team will provide you with the best podiatry services in Mandurah to help you alleviate the pain.
Calf pain can cause pain and discomfort and interfere with your daily activities. It is often caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, muscle strain, and medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or peripheral artery disease. Luckily, there are several effective treatments for calf pain that can improve foot function and alleviate pain. Want to know about them? Well, keep reading the blog till the end.
Most Effective Treatments for Calf Pain That You Should Know About
If left untreated, calf pain can cause difficulty walking and lead to more serious health problems in the long term. To help you alleviate the pain, some of the best ways to treat calf pain have been mentioned below.
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Shockwave Therapy
If your calf pain is caused by a mild injury or Achilles tendonitis, opting for shockwave therapy is indeed the best solution for you. It is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. During the therapy, focused shockwaves are delivered to the affected area, which promotes tissue regeneration and stimulates blood flow.
If you are a resident of Mandurah or nearby areas and want to opt for shockwave therapy, you can reach out to Peel Podiatry Clinic. Our team provides the best shockwave therapy in Mandurah and uses both high-energy and low-energy shock waves to treat foot conditions.
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Physical Therapy
In cases of chronic or severe calf pain, physical therapy may be recommended. It can not only help prevent further injury but can also help improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion. A physical therapist will prescribe customized exercises, stretches, and other treatments to help you recover quickly while easing the tension in muscle tissue.
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Over-the-counter Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with calf pain. However, before taking any medication, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider and follow the recommended dosage.
If the pain doesn’t subside within a few days or becomes more severe, you can also opt for podiatry services. By choosing podiatry services in Mandurah or elsewhere, you can prevent the progression of your calf pain and reduce discomfort.
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The RICE Method (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevate)
If you have calf pain, we would certainly recommend that you go for the ‘RICE’ method.
Rest: Try to avoid walking or running with calf pain and take some rest.
Ice: Rub ice on your calves to reduce inflammation while resting.
Compression: Wrap the calf in a tight, stretchy bandage. It will support the muscle and help reduce swelling.
Elevate: While you are resting, grab a pillow or two and elevate your leg above the level of your heart. Doing so will reduce the pain, throbbing, and swelling.
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Stretching and Massage
Stretching and massage improve circulation and reduce tension in the muscles, helping you relieve calf pain. While gentle stretching can help improve flexibility and prevent further injury, massage can help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension, which can speed up the healing process. You can use a massage ball, or foam roller, or seek the help of a professional massage therapist.
The Bottom Line
Calf pain can be caused by cramps or muscle strain or occur due to other conditions, such as sciatica. However, there are several effective treatments available to get rid of it. In case you’re looking for a clinic that offers the best podiatry services in Mandurah, visit Peel Podiatry Clinic. Our team guides every patient through a customized treatment plan and recovery period. To get in touch with us, call (08) 95863046.