Why am I continually contracting my calf muscles?
Discussion
I keep feeling the need to contract my calf muscles, by straight into out my feet, if that makes sense. I do it to the point of feeling like cramp is coming or something is going to pop.
It brings short term relief, but I’ll be doing it again in a hour or so.
I have tried a leg massage, and that brought relief for a few days, but not long.
Any ideas, because a Google is not helping me.
It brings short term relief, but I’ll be doing it again in a hour or so.
I have tried a leg massage, and that brought relief for a few days, but not long.
Any ideas, because a Google is not helping me.
I appreciate this isn't my thread so hope OP doesn't mind.
I am early 40's and as far as I remember have always been prone to leg cramps if I am severely fatigued e.g: after an intense activity that I don't usually do, good example would be legs cramping after a 5k run.
However in the last few years my cramps are getting worst, especially nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles. The pain has been excruciating at times when waking up middle of the night and then feeling that sudden shearing pain followed by trying to straighten out the leg and on a few recent occasions needed a few days for the pain/tenderness to subside fully.
When I am feeling more tired than usual I've also experienced cramp sensations albeit less painful in the fingers and my jaw too. I go gym between once-twice per week and the occasional outdoor jog but I always do a stretch of the calves and hammies.
I drink a lot of water daily and have done for the last few years, I do tend to perspire more than the average bloke but I am constantly on water through the day.
Has anyone been through anything similar? It could be a potassium/magnesium/Vitamin b1 deficiency but no idea how to validate which it could be or if it's anything else ..possibly a bit far fetched but maybe a back issue that is manifesting with cramps in the legs? I've had previous lower back and postural issues.
I am early 40's and as far as I remember have always been prone to leg cramps if I am severely fatigued e.g: after an intense activity that I don't usually do, good example would be legs cramping after a 5k run.
However in the last few years my cramps are getting worst, especially nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles. The pain has been excruciating at times when waking up middle of the night and then feeling that sudden shearing pain followed by trying to straighten out the leg and on a few recent occasions needed a few days for the pain/tenderness to subside fully.
When I am feeling more tired than usual I've also experienced cramp sensations albeit less painful in the fingers and my jaw too. I go gym between once-twice per week and the occasional outdoor jog but I always do a stretch of the calves and hammies.
I drink a lot of water daily and have done for the last few years, I do tend to perspire more than the average bloke but I am constantly on water through the day.
Has anyone been through anything similar? It could be a potassium/magnesium/Vitamin b1 deficiency but no idea how to validate which it could be or if it's anything else ..possibly a bit far fetched but maybe a back issue that is manifesting with cramps in the legs? I've had previous lower back and postural issues.
Edited by VR99 on Tuesday 30th August 21:53
Magnesium citrate or glycinate would be my first port of call. 300-450mg/day (spread throughout the day). See how you get on after a few weeks. After that, potassium citrate powder/granules (available from Amazon) - 1-3g/day. If that still doesn't work we can look at some other things.
As I got a telling off before, for clarification I'm a chiropractor who's got further training in nutrition and some functional medicine.
As I got a telling off before, for clarification I'm a chiropractor who's got further training in nutrition and some functional medicine.
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
Magnesium citrate or glycinate would be my first port of call. 300-450mg/day (spread throughout the day). See how you get on after a few weeks. After that, potassium citrate powder/granules (available from Amazon) - 1-3g/day. If that still doesn't work we can look at some other things.
As I got a telling off before, for clarification I'm a chiropractor who's got further training in nutrition and some functional medicine.
Cheers, I will look into those As I got a telling off before, for clarification I'm a chiropractor who's got further training in nutrition and some functional medicine.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff