Do I Have Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome?

Do you experience pain or cramping in your calf that occurs during exercise and goes away with rest?

Do you have a tingling or burning sensation in your calf?

Do you have cold feet after exercise?

Do you experience numbness in the calf area?

Do you experience lower leg cramping at night?

Do you notice any changes in skin color around the calf muscle?

Do you experience a heavy feeling in the leg?

Is there swelling in the calf area?

Do you have blood clots in the lower leg (deep vein thrombosis)?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES). This condition occurs when an abnormally positioned or enlarged calf muscle presses on the popliteal artery; the main artery behind the knee. The consequence is that blood won’t flow well to the leg and foot. It’s a common condition among athletes.

Based on your answers, you are displaying one or more signs of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. It’s a condition that usually affects athletes or healthy people under age 40, and caused by an abnormal calf muscle. The condition may occur from birth or develop over time. In case you developed it later in life, you may have a calf muscle that is bigger than normal, which will press on the popliteal artery, reducing blood flow to the lower part of the leg. This then results in symptoms including pain and cramping in the calf during activity. Make sure to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

Based on your answers, you are displaying the signs typically seen among individuals who have popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. It’s very important to visit your doctor in order to discuss your symptoms. If you leave the condition untreated for a long time, the popliteal artery can cause the artery to narrow, which will result in pain and cramping with just slight activity. In severe cases, the nerves and muscles can become damaged. Only with surgery, the abnormal calf muscle can be corrected. In case your symptoms have a negative impact on your every day or athletic activities, surgery may be recommended.