Intense pain in the calves ..please help !

My brother is about 50 years old.
All of a sudden he is getting a lot of pain in his calves. Not sure if
it is because of the winter cold or just general stress.

He is normal in most ways. Maybe a little bad cholesterol and
borderline on glucose/diabetes. No major problems. He is NOT overweight
by much - maybe 6 pounds or so. He does not do much exercise...mostly
computer work.

He asks his sons to apply pressure by standing or sitting on his
calves. This seems to help sometimes.

Has anyone had similar experiences  and any cures ? or anything to
reduce the pain other than pain reducing pills ?

Is it indicative of any disease ?
Is is arthiritis ? or rheumatism ? or any disease ?
What should he do ?

Any input would be highly appreciated.
Thanks
Tina