What is the pain in my left calf?
Patient: For several months, maybe even as long as a year, I have pain deep in my left calf that seems to be getting worse. When I walk and try to stretch it it hurts the most. It s just odd that it has lasted this long and getting worse. I don t feel warmth but it does seem to me that this calf feels thicker than my other calf. What could this be? Doctor: Hi there,  Thanks for your query.  The probable causes of pain can be inflammation of the calf-muscle-tendon, contusion/spasm of the calf muscle, underlying incompetent veins or, Vitamin B12 deficiency.  Get a Doppler study to assess blood flow in the calf muscles veins. An X-ray of the heel bone will show if there is a partial detachment of the tendon.  A course of a combination of anti-inflammatory pain killers, such as ibuprofen and, a muscle relaxant, such as, Chlorzoxazone should give relief in case of inflammation of tendon or muscle contusion/spasm.  Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me and will prescribe the advised drugs in appropriate doses.   If you find my response helpful and informative, do not forget an “excellent” (5-star rating)  to my answer, to ENCOURAGE ALL doctors- engaged in social service- to render sound advice to the FREE queries.   Take care  Dr. Rakesh Karanwal