If you’re experiencing pain that sometimes feels like it’s coming from your knee and other times hurts down into your calf, you’re not alone. Discomfort in one part of the leg can sometimes set off or correspond to pain in surrounding areas. But how exactly are the knee and calf connected, and can knee pain cause calf pain?
How pain travels in the leg
The knee and calf are intricately linked through muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Because of this, it’s possible for pain from one area to spread or “refer” to the other. The pain in your knee or calf might result from a local issue, or it could be caused by something further up or down the leg, such as inflammation, nerve irritation, or structural misalignment.
Sometimes when your body is in pain, you make conscious adjustments to your movements that place stress on different parts of the legs, leading to rapid soreness or sudden changes in other tissues that aren’t used to bearing weight, for example. The body may also react by triggering inflammation that isn’t as targeted to the initial damage that it’s trying to heal, leading to swelling, stiffness, and discomfort throughout the knee and calf.
Because of the intricate anatomy of the knee as well as the many factors that could be at play in any given person’s experience, a one-on-one consultation with a physical therapist is a much better place to get advice and a true diagnosis than internet research.
Common causes of knee and calf pain
People of all activity levels will experience knee and calf pain at some point in their lives. Below, we outline a few of the most common causes:
Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down your legs, is irritated, compressed, or pinched. Although it’s primarily associated with back pain, it can also lead to pain that radiates from your knee into your calf. You may notice a shooting or burning sensation, often accompanied by numbness or tingling.
Muscle strains
Muscle strains in the calf or around the knee, such as a pulled hamstring or gastrocnemius muscle, can result in localized pain that encompasses both areas. These injuries are often the result of overuse during activities like running, cycling, or weightlifting.
Muscle cramps
Cramps in the calf can feel sharp and sudden, “pulling” on the tendons and muscles connected to your knee. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or over-exertion are common culprits of muscle cramps throughout the body, especially among active individuals.
Tendinitis (popliteal tendonitis)
The popliteal tendon is located at the back of your knee and plays a key role in stabilizing the joint. Tendinitis in this tendon can cause pain that extends down into the calf. This condition is often seen in runners, hikers, or people who frequently change direction during physical activity.
Plantar fasciitis radiating upward
While plantar fasciitis is typically associated with heel pain, the inflammation that arises from the condition can send discomfort upward into the calf. Over time, this added strain may even contribute to knee pain, making it feel as though both areas are affected at once.
When to see a specialist for knee and calf pain
Pain isn’t always a reason to panic, but it’s important to listen to your body. If you notice symptoms that persist for weeks, get suddenly worse, or significantly interfere with your daily activities, it may be time to consult a specialist. Here are some red flags that normally indicate that professional help might be required:
- Pain that doesn’t improve after rest, ice, or over-the-counter medication
- Swelling or redness around the knee or calf
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg
- Numbness or tingling in the knee or calf
- Pain that radiates heavily even if it comes and goes
Specialists like physical therapists can diagnose the root cause of your knee and calf pain and create a targeted treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
How physical therapy can help treat knee and calf pain
Physical therapy isn’t just for recovering from injuries—it’s also a proactive way to address pain, improve mobility, and prevent future problems. Even though it can feel overwhelming to make an appointment that you might not think is necessary, the physical therapists at Panther will be able to guide you toward a treatment plan that is truly helpful for you and your lifestyle.
And there’s more to our treatment plans than gentle stretches and knee pain exercises, including:
- Trigger point therapy for referred pain in the calf
- Joint mobilization for stiffness and guided movement
- Graston technique for reducing inflammation and improving muscle and tendon flexibility
- Therapeutic exercise recommendations for those who want an active lifestyle with sustainable injury prevention routines
Any one or a combination of the previous techniques may be helpful for you depending on the type and cause of your knee or calf pain. We want to make it simple to find the treatment plan that gets your lifestyle back to normal as effectively as possible. We may also be able to offer at-home care plans or virtual consultations to make it even easier to access the care you deserve.
Calf and knee pain treatment in Pittsburgh
Don’t let pain slow you down. At Panther Physical Therapy, our experienced team specializes in helping people of all walks of life find the answers and relief they’re looking for. With tailored treatment plans, comprehensive treatment modalities, and an emphasis on education for long-term healing, we can help you get back to doing what you love. Start a conversation with our team by calling the clinic that’s closest to you or by requesting an appointment online today.