I am concerned about pain in my calf

What can be done about this problem?

Pain can be caused in the calf when the muscles expand but the sleeve of tissue around the muscles does not. The muscles of the lower leg are surrounded by a sleeve of tissue called fascia. When these muscles expand, for example during exercise, the sleeve is unable to expand at the same rate. This leads to the sleeve compressing the muscle(s) which results in a reduction in blood flow and oxygenation to the muscle, causing pain. This is called a ‘chronic compartment syndrome’.

What is the best treatment for this?

Fasciotomy is a procedure in which the muscle sleeve is released by cutting the fascia, so relieving the pressure on the muscle compartment. Incisions are made down either side of the calf to access and then incise the fascia of the superficial and deep muscle compartments. The skin is then closed with either stitches or surgical clips.

How long will it take to recover?

It takes 2 weeks for the wounds to heal. Following surgery, patients are bandaged and can partially bear weight as tolerated. The leg should be kept elevated as much as possible to allow the swelling to go down quickly. The clips/stitches are removed at 2 weeks.

What are the potential complications?

Complications include scar sensitivity, failure of the pain to resolve, nerve and blood vessel damage and, as with any surgery, possible wound infection.