Medical Treatment For Calf Pain
In most cases, calf pain treatment is easier than treating shin splints because it is usually associated with calf muscle tension, and it is relieved with the RICE method mentioned above, along with stretching and NSAIDs. However, in some cases, these measures are also taken to treat calf pain:
- Physical therapy: Stretching is an essential part of treating calf pain when it is triggered by muscle-related issues. Physical therapists can guide patients on what exercises to do and how to solve acute calf pain problems. They will also help patients strengthen their calves and work on their flexibility to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Medications: NSAIDs are usually enough to treat calf pain, but other drugs can be used depending on the causes. For example, some patients do not respond to NSAIDs and need cortisone injections to relieve their pain. And if your problem is triggered by deep vein thrombosis, the treatment includes anticoagulant agents such as warfarin and heparin. Reaching the exact dose to implement anticoagulant treatment can sometimes be a bit difficult, but after a few weeks of follow-ups, you’ll be ready to take your meds back home.
- Surgery: In the case of Achilles tendon pathologies, calf pain treatment may include surgery to repair the tendon. This is a more advanced medical treatment with a very clear indication.