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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Calf Tightness, Cramping. Used Muscle Ointment, Bruising

58 yr F 40lbs overweight typically very strong since previously weight trained in my 30s, i walk over terrain that is steep to flat everyday 3x plus up to two miles each outing. Started having some night time calf tightness. I would stretch and hold stretches still the cramping/ px subsided (last two weeks). Decided to wear a flat flexible shoe so calf could be stretched more fully one evening. Caused no discomfort but later had after laying down for bed had worse cramps. Next morning I put on my regular trail shoes and went down my stairs (2 full flights) and walked about two blocks and had a sudden severe pain in my lower shin. I thought maybe it was a clot or something as it seemed like it wanted to travel. So I just stood there for a minute, took a deep breath, and turned around to head back home. I didn't even take a step and I felt like it had freed itself and shot into my calf. I have kept a strong muscle oitment and wrap (cotton, sern wrap, ace bandage). Today (fourth day) bruising now appearing at shin and interior calf.
posted on Wed, 30 Oct 2013
Twitter Mon, 4 Nov 2013 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 5 Nov 2013 Last reviewed on
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi,
Your description suggests that you are getting cramps in the calf muscles.Cramps are painful spasms in a muscle and are often caused by overuse, dehydration, or nutritional deficiencies.
Following measure will help-
*Drink fluid-An electrolyte imbalance can be the cause of muscle spasms, so rehydrating with an electrolyte drink can help restore balance.
*Stretch the affected muscle with a mild, static stretch.
*Use ice to numb the pain in a cramp, reducing inflammation and allowing the muscle to relax.
*Bring the affected muscle into a relaxed position and apply direct compression to the cramp.
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Calf Tightness, Cramping. Used Muscle Ointment, Bruising

Hi, Your description suggests that you are getting cramps in the calf muscles.Cramps are painful spasms in a muscle and are often caused by overuse, dehydration, or nutritional deficiencies. Following measure will help- *Drink fluid-An electrolyte imbalance can be the cause of muscle spasms, so rehydrating with an electrolyte drink can help restore balance. *Stretch the affected muscle with a mild, static stretch. *Use ice to numb the pain in a cramp, reducing inflammation and allowing the muscle to relax. *Bring the affected muscle into a relaxed position and apply direct compression to the cramp.