How Should Excessive Sweating, Left Leg Cramps And Heavy Tingling Sensation In The Calf Muscle Be Managed While Playing A Sport?

Posted on Wed, 11 Jul 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 Answered on

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : My son was playing in a lacrosse tournament on Monday & Tuesday during hot & humid weather. He is an sweats excessively with sports. He had a left calf cramp during his last game on Tuesday. The on-site trainer felt it was dehydration and/or electrolyte imbalance that caused the cramp. Today his calf is a little sore but he is also complaining of tingling and a heavy feeling. He can stretch the muscle with no cramping or pain and did jog on it this morning to see how he felt. Is the tingling/heavy feeling normal or should I consult a doctor?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibly torn calf muscle fibers

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

He likely must have incurred muscle strain or even torn calf muscle fiber . It is nothing to be worried about. Numbness, pain and heaviness is due to the muscles recovering from the injury.

Continue stretching
Avoid activities that put excessive strain on calf for few days
Drink plenty of electrolyte rich fluids like Gatorade
Eat protein rich food to help muscle recover fast.
Apply cold compress until the acute pain subsides, followed which warm compress can be used
The pain will subside in few days.

Hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you need further clarification.
Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (56 minutes later)

This happened yesterday. He's had no acute pain since last evening. He only complains of a "heavy & tingling" feeling when he moves quickly. But no pain with jogging. He has a tournament this weekend and we are hesitant to let him play if it could cause further damage. There is no bruising at the calf muscle. He has practice today that we are skipping to let it heal.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
He should be fine by the weekend

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Muscle recovery will take place within 2-3 days with proper hydration and nutrition. The muscle may not completely recover until after a week or two.

However, it is absolutely fine to resume activities after 2 days. It will be best to skip the practice sessions. However, he should be fine by the weekend to play the tournament unless the tingling / heaviness persists, in which case follow up with his pediatrician.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee