Calf pain

Calf pain is often caused by muscle cramp or injury, but a painful, swollen, warm calf may indicate deep vein thrombosis. New breathlessness, chest pain or fainting may indicate a pulmonary embolism and requires immediate help.

• Cramping or aching pain after activity that often changes with movement or stretching when caused by a muscle problem.
• Sudden sharp pain during sport, sometimes as if something struck the calf, with bruising or weakness.
• Stop sport if sudden pain occurs and load the calf only within an acceptable pain limit for the first few days.
• Cool briefly with a cloth between skin and cold pack, and elevate the leg slightly if needed after an injury.
• Call the same day for new one-sided calf pain with swelling, warmth or redness, especially with a DVT risk.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.