Peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood.
Painless swelling may affect both legs and may include the calves or even the thighs. The effect of gravity makes the swelling most noticeable in the lower part of the body. Foot, leg, and ankle swelling is common when the person also: Is overweight.
The calf is swollen and tender. To rule this out alone I would see your primary doctor. Other causes are more rare. A Baker's cyst is a common condition in which part of the joint behind the knee forms a growth. This is normally not concerning, but if it ruptures it can cause a swollen and tender calf. If this is the case, pain medicine can be given until it heals. Other causes could be from muscle inflammation--a myositis. There are many types of myositis which can be from many causes. Simple muscle inflammation from overuse is another cause--in fact the most likely. Fluid overload--from heart problem or kidney problem or liver problems can also cause swollen calves. Again these are more likely in older patients--it is possible and must be ruled out. I would see your doctor to rule out a few concerning causes of swollen calf.