Suggest Remedies For Cramps On The Calf After Flight Journey

Posted on Fri, 12 Aug 2016

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

Fri, 12 Aug 2016 Answered on

Thu, 1 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had foot surgery to repair a closed-break fracture of my 5th metatarsal on my right foot two weeks ago. Everything has been fine. With my doc's permission, i flew to tennessee from XXXXXXX (about 2 hour flight) yesterday. About 6-8 hours after the fligt, the upper back of my right calf (more on the left side of the calf) started to cramp/be painful only when i bend my leg to use my crutches. I slept for a couple of hours, but when i got up to go to the bathroom (and used my crutches), the pain was there again. Cramp or DVT?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Chances of DVT is less

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. I think it is muscle cramp and not DVT.Before I advised you anything I would like to know little detail of the illness.
1.do you have pain on rest or on movements?
2.is their any pain on squeezing your calf ?
3.do you have any redness or swelling in calf region?
Please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (10 minutes later)

It only hurts when i use my crutches and hold the leg behind me in the way one does on crutchss. Nk redness or swelling .

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is muscle spasm only

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
thanks for replying. I have studied your case and I think it is pulled muscle and not DVT. I have following suggestions for you.
1.apply hot water bag in that region.
2.tablet Brufen or advil can be used.
3.volitran gel local application.
I hope this pain will be controlled in a week. Let me know if you want to ask any other followup questions.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar