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Im having sharp pains deep within my left calf muscle. the pain lasts for 1-5 seconds then just goes away. it is fairly intense and comes about 15 times throuout the day...I am 52 years old, overweight but active. My legs appear to be swollen more then normal a lot lately. There are no bruises on my leg, and I don't think I pulled a muscle. The pains are sharp but short and then they are completely gone until the next episode. I have some back problems and have had restless leg syndrome throughout the past ten years...
this pain is very puzzling...any thoughts?

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Hello Derek,

Is it a pain or more of a "charlie horse"? Does the pain radiate down your leg from your back? You symptom could be related to sciatica. I mention this as you have stated you have experienced some back problems.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516

What I am really concerned about is the fact that you mentioned your leg appears to be swollen and the pain is in the calf area. This amy not be sciatica.

Your symptoms could be related to a blood clot. Is your leg warm to the touch? Sometimes there are symptoms associated with a deep vein thrombosis of the leg and often, there are no symtpoms.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thrombophlebitis/DS00223/DSECTION=2

Let me know if you have any other questions

Edited by Two_Westies on June 24 2006 at 2:14 AM

Reply to Deborah's Post: I have always had back problems but this pain is new...like about two weeks. The skin temperature is normal...I seem to retain a lot of water so the swelling in my legs is not so new either. I do take diavan for a slightly raised blood pressure. The pain I described comes quickly, sharply, almost pulsating, but last for not more then 5 seconds. There is not redness or sensitivity to touch...once this pain is gone, my leg seems totally normal. It comes whether i am standing or sitting or laying...please respond.

We have gone through all the most common possibilities and have ruled out sciatica and a bloot clot.

Another possibility of the pain can be Intermittent Claudication which is pain in the leg muscles because the blood supply is inadequate; pain usually subsides with rest.

It could be this is just related to your back, as calf pain may actually be referred pain. In this situation the underlying problem can be with the knee, hip, or back.

This is of course worth metnioning to your doctor. He can orefer an ultrasound to assure the veins are not compromised.

You may want to take a multivitamin every day that includes calcium as this often beneficial with calf pain.

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