Here’s Why Calf Pain and Heart Health Go Together
February is officially American Heart Month, so we want to let you know when calf pain could be a sign of heart trouble. Of course, in our Westfield, IN podiatry practice, we know that several different problems lead to calf pain. It could be a sign of Achilles tendinitis. (This is an overuse injury characterized by inflammation in your Achilles tendon. As a result, you’ll notice pain anywhere from the back of your lower leg down to your heel.)
Pain in your calf could also mean you’ve strained your muscle. Or that you’ve just been working out too hard and need a rest day. Sometimes, though, that calf pain is a sign of something more than inflammation. Cramping pain in your legs and calves could be a sign of cardiovascular disease. Let’s take a closer look.
Calf Pain and Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) develops when plaque builds up in your arteries, reducing the amount of blood reaching your legs. Then, because of lower blood flow, your leg muscles don’t have enough oxygen to keep up with physical demands. And, when that happens, you may notice leg cramps when you move. (If this is a PAD symptom, the cramps should feel better as soon as you rest.)
PAD increases your risk for heart attack, stroke and blood clots. As a result, if we suspect you may have PAD, we’ll recommend noninvasive tests, like the ankle-brachial index. which detects PAD. Early detection is key since undiagnosed PAD can lead to foot ulcers and limb loss.
Of course, not every leg cramp is a sign of heart disease. With PAD, you may also notice symptoms such as cold or numb feet and legs. (Though this could also be a sign of neuropathy, a form of nerve damage that often affects people with diabetes.) Your toenail growth could also slow down with PAD. And that’s why Dr. David Sullivan may help diagnose this dangerous form of heart disease.
Have you noticed new or worsening pain in your calf? It could be an injury. It could be tendinitis. Or it could be a developing heart condition. So, regardless of the cause, it’s very important to schedule an immediate appointment with our office. After a thorough exam, we’ll determine the cause of your calf pain. And we’ll come up with a treatment plan to protect your feet—and your heart!