Calf pain that relieves with rest is indicative of which condition?

• A. Deep vein thrombosis
• B. Peripheral arterial disease
• C. Muscle strain
• D. Varicose veins

Answer: (B)

Calf pain that comes on with activity and eases with rest points to decreased blood flow to the leg muscles during exercise, which is classic for peripheral arterial disease causing intermittent claudication. When you walk, muscles demand more oxygen; narrowed or blocked arteries from atherosclerosis can’t deliver enough, causing ischemic cramping. Rest lowers the muscle’s oxygen demand, so the pain subsides. This pattern isn’t typical for a deep vein thrombosis, which usually presents with swelling, warmth, and tenderness rather than exertional cramps that improve with rest. A muscle strain tends to cause pain with use after a specific overuse or injury event and is localized to a muscle. Varicose veins cause a dull ache or heaviness that’s worsened by standing and relieved by leg elevation, not the characteristic exertional cramping pattern of intermittent claudication.