Knee Arthritis and Calf Pain: Why They Often Go Together

Many people with knee osteoarthritis notice that the knee is not the only thing that hurts. The calf often feels tight, tired or sore, especially after a walk or at the end of the day. This is not a coincidence. The knee and the calf work closely together, and when the knee is sore, the calf usually has to work harder. In this article you will find the most common reasons for calf pain with knee arthritis, the signs that need a doctor quickly and simple things that help.

How the knee and calf work together

The calf muscles start just above the back of the knee and run down to the heel. They help bend the knee, push you forward with every step and keep you steady when you stand. So when you walk, climb stairs or get up from a chair, the knee and the calf share the work. When one of them has a problem, the other feels it too.

Common reasons for calf pain with knee arthritis

• A changed way of walking. A sore knee often makes people take shorter steps, walk on their toes or avoid straightening the leg fully. The calf then works in a position it is not used to, so it gets tired and tight faster.
• A knee that does not straighten fully. With osteoarthritis the knee can become stiff and stay slightly bent. The calf muscles then stay a little tense all the time, and many people feel this as a constant pulling at the back of the leg.
• Less movement. When the knee hurts, many people move less. Muscles that are used less become weaker and stiffer, and they protest faster when you do walk more.
• A Baker's cyst. Osteoarthritis is sometimes linked to a soft, fluid-filled swelling at the back of the knee, called a Baker's cyst. A larger cyst can press on the area and cause a feeling of tightness all the way down to the calf. You can read more about it in our article on pain behind the knee.
• Cramps. Tired, tight calves cramp more easily, often at night. A cramp is unpleasant, but it usually passes after a few minutes of stretching.

When calf pain needs a doctor quickly

Not every calf pain comes from the knee. Some causes need a check-up without delay. See a doctor quickly if:

• one calf is suddenly swollen, warm, red or painful to the touch, especially after a long journey, surgery or several days in bed,
• the pain behind the knee suddenly gets much worse and the calf swells,
• the calf hurts every time you walk a similar distance and the pain goes away when you stop,
• the pain comes with tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg.

Swelling and pain in one calf can be a sign of a blood clot. If you also have shortness of breath or chest pain, call emergency services right away. More warning signs are in our article on when knee pain is serious.

What helps day to day

• Stretch the calves gently. Stand facing a wall, put one foot back and press the heel into the floor until you feel a gentle stretch in the calf. Hold for about 30 seconds and switch legs. Do it two or three times a day.
• Do calf raises. Hold on to a chair, slowly rise onto your toes and then lower the heels again. Start with a few repetitions and add more over time.
• Keep the knee moving. Sit with the leg straight and gently press the back of the knee toward the floor. This helps the knee straighten more easily.
• Walk often, but in short bouts. Several short walks a day are often easier for the knee and the calf than one long one.
• Choose comfortable shoes. Shoes with a soft sole and a low heel make each step gentler for the knee and the calf.

A soft knee sleeve can also help in everyday life. It gives a pleasant feeling of support and keeps the knee warm, so many people walk more evenly and with more confidence. The sleeve covers the knee, not the calf, and it does not treat the cause. If you suspect a blood clot, do not wear compression until a doctor has examined your leg. More tips for daily life with knee arthritis are in our article on easing knee osteoarthritis pain at home.

A sleeve you will actually wear

The best sleeve is the one that does not end up in a drawer. The KeenTrove Bamboo Knee Sleeve is made for exactly that:

• soft, breathable bamboo, comfortable even in summer
• fits snugly but does not dig in behind the knee
• does not lock the knee, so you move naturally
• wear it under your clothes during the day and in bed at night

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Note: this article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have circulation problems or diabetes, or have recently had knee surgery, talk to your doctor before wearing compression.