What should you know about lower calf muscle pain?

A Muscle Strain may cause soreness or pain when the calf contracts or stretches. A Muscle Contusion can produce tenderness and bruising after a direct impact. Achilles Tendinitis may cause pain lower down near the heel and stiffness with activity. Calf Pain can also have causes that are not purely muscular, so compare both legs and note swelling, warmth, skin colour change, numbness and whether walking is becoming difficult.

Reduce the activity that provokes pain without keeping the leg completely still. Gentle ankle movement within comfort can limit stiffness. Elevate the leg if it feels swollen, and use a wrapped cold pack briefly after a recent impact if that feels helpful. Avoid deep massage over a fresh bruise or markedly swollen calf. A clinician can guide a gradual return to loading; Sports Massage may be considered later when an injury has been assessed and the tissue is settling.

Seek urgent medical care for sudden one-sided swelling, warmth, redness, severe tenderness, chest pain or breathlessness. Arrange prompt assessment for inability to bear weight, a snap at onset, substantial bruising, new weakness or pain that is worsening rather than settling.

Does the location and movement pattern fit a Muscle Strain or Achilles Tendinitis? Should I be examined for another cause? When can I stretch, strengthen and return to running? Is massage safe yet?