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Calf pain is usually not serious except if swelling or severe pain is present.
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Common causes Cramp, muscle stiffness, muscle injury, e.g. gastrocnemius tear, claudication (PVD)
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Not to be missed Deep venous thrombosis, thrombophlebitis
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Others Ruptured Baker cyst, referred pain (back, knee), Achilles tendon rupture. ‘Monkey muscle’ injury or ‘tennis leg’ is a rupture or severe strain of the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle. Treat initially with RICE every 2 waking hrs for 48 hrs. Follow up with heel raise and stretching exercises.