4. Sciatica
Sciatica is pain or sensation that can be felt all through the back of the leg. When this type of stabbing, sharp and shooting type of pain occurs, it isn’t usually as a result of a problem with the calf itself.
The sciatic nerve runs from the spine, through the buttock and down into the foot, meaning that any aggravation or irritation of this nerve is likely to be as a result of an issue with the spine. When a disc herniates or bulges, it can impinge on the sciatic nerve with the most troubling symptom from this being a severe pain that is caused.
Sciatica can range on the pain scale to the mildly annoying, right through to excruciatingly painful. Sometimes doctors will offer surgical interventions to address the root cause, but more conservative methods of treatment are usually the first port of call. If sciatica is the cause of your calf pain, treat it as a wider issue than just a calf problem.