Hi Nature girl,
Its interesting that you only get the symptoms in one side. It suggests something local. Have you considered myofascial release? I post a link below. You may find it unbearably painful, try it on your other leg first.
This woman Elisha Celeste, I think her name is, has plenty of interesting things to say about pain, emotions and trauma in a body keeps the score sort of way in other links.
Gastrocnemius fascia release - for outer knee pain, tight calves, Achilles pain & plantar fasciitis - YouTube
Best wishes,
Atty.