A health worker examining a woman’s calf and ankle.
The causes of calf and ankle pain vary significantly from person to person, but common causes include injury and trauma, overuse of the ankle joint or calves, muscle tears, muscle strains, shin splints, and even damage to the calves. on the nerves Calf and ankle pain can occur simultaneously or independently; if they occur at the same time, the cause of the pain may be related to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones in that area, or the nerve that innervates that area of the body may be compressed or otherwise damaged, causing pain sensations throughout the body. lower leg. A proper diagnosis is usually necessary, which means a visit to a healthcare professional may be necessary.
A person with a sprained ankle.
Injuries resulting from some type of trauma are the most common causes of calf and ankle pain. A bone fracture, for example, can cause mild to severe pain in the affected area; a heel fracture can cause pain throughout the foot and lower leg. An injury to one leg can also cause pain in the other, since the healthy leg often has to support more body weight to compensate for the injured leg. If calf and ankle pain occur in the same leg, pain in one area may be called pain resulting from injury in the other.
Sciatica can cause pain from the lower back to the feet.
Any of the nerves serving the lower legs can cause calf and ankle pain independently or simultaneously. The sciatic nerve, for example, starts in the lower back and runs down to the feet. If this nerve is compressed or damaged anywhere along its length, it can cause pain anywhere in the legs, lower back, hips, or feet. Nerve pain is usually acute, although it can also manifest as numbness, weakness, pain, aches and pains, and even loss of motor control in certain areas of the lower body. If a person has serious neurological problems, such as loss of motor control, they should see a doctor right away.
Sprains and strains are common causes of ankle pain.
Muscle strains and tears can also cause lower leg pain. A strain occurs when the tiny fibers that make up a muscle begin to tear due to abnormal use or a sudden blow. A tear occurs when the muscle completely separates from itself or from the tendons that connect it to the bone. This is considered a serious condition and will usually require surgery to correct.
