Okay, last night I woke up literally SCREAMING in pain out of a deep sleep due to a severe pain in my calf!?

Question

It hurt like a mother,I was crying like a pathetic baby and I couldn't even move it or it would start to hurt even worse. I'm talking I was in a DEEP sleep, and it woke me up with no warning.I guess it kind of sounds like it was a Charley Horse, but this is the third time it has happened to me in the past 10 years or so. The first time, the doctor sent me to the ER because my leg was turning blue and he was worried it could be a blood clot. Keep in mind, I am only 33 (younger then) and VERY active and don't smoke. It wasn't a blood clot, but I was on crutches for a few days after. Now,after last night's episode, it still hurts just a little, I put some heat on it and massaged it and took some Advil.It almost feels like a pulled muscle. I always stay hydrated, and take a multivitaman every day. But maybe I'm not getting enough potassium?Again, I want to reiterate the PAIN I went through, I don't wish it on my worst enemy.
Any ideas? I'm going to the doc if it doesn't get better soon.

Answer 1

It's called a "Charlie Horse"

"In medical parlance, a charley horse is a painful contusion of the quadriceps muscle of the anterior thigh that commonly results in a muscular hematoma and sometimes several weeks of pain and disability.1,2 It often occurs in sports when an athlete is struck by an opponent's knee, in a manner not unlike the kick of a horse, perhaps the reason for its name. In the UK, such an injury is known as a corky, or corkie.

In recent decades the term has also been used to describe painful leg cramps, which may occur in the thigh, arch of the foot, calf muscle, or quadriceps.

Causes of cramps: Sore muscles after exercise, Hormone imbalance, Mineral deficiency, & Dehydration-Hence out the Alcohol.

Treatment
The quadriceps contusion type of "charley horse" is initially treated by icing. Recent studies have shown that the resulting tightness and contractures that sometimes ensue can be lessened by maintaining the knee in a fully bent position for the first 24 hours to prevent the involved muscles from going into spasm. Premature return to activity can result in calcification of the hematoma in and around the muscle, a long-term problem called myositis ossificans.

A cramp can be quickly defused with either a massage or stretching of the affected muscle. Persistent cramps should be treated by a doctor."

Dyhydration often contributes to this ... I only had one after a severe night of working out and then drinking at my friends 21st Birthday party ... Yep, I've never screamed so loud in my life ... luckly, a roommate was a med stud, and made me dring lots of water and kool-aid in the mourning with an ice pack.

Answer 2

This is called a "charlie horse". See this:
Leg Cramps or Muscle Cramps (Charlie Horse) leg pain usually occur when a muscle tries to do more work than it has the strength and flexibility to handle. As a result, most people have experienced a cramped calf, biceps, hand or other muscle spasm at some time. Another cause can be dehydration. Muscle cells are made up of 80 percent fluids, so they need to be replenished constantly. A combination of overwork and dehydration can be more devastating.

Muscles contract and relax over and over again (Restless Legs) , but when a cramp occurs, the muscle locks in the contracted position (Charlie Horse) leg pain . When the muscle is irritated, it cramps to protect the area of difficulty. People who overuse their muscles during the day sometimes wake up at night with cramps. The best way to avoid a leg cramp is to warm up and stretch before and after exercise, and stay hydrated.

Remedy:
If you get a cramp, such as a hamstring cramp, lie on your back and gently bring the cramped leg, bent at 90 degrees or so, toward your head. Use one hand to stabilize the front of the thigh, while the other guides the back of the calf. The unclamped leg should be bent at 45 degrees for the least possible strain on your back.

Answer 3

I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. I get them from time to time myself. You calf muscle is doing a major contraction. I have to jump out of bed and try to stand on my foot so I can stretch the muscle back out. I'm not sure exactly what causes it, but you seem to be on the right track. Keep an eye on hydration and electrolyte levels. Also calcium and potassium.

Answer 4

Thats fcked, I started getting pains like that last Wed. after running to catch a bus I missed anyway,and doing some extensive walking afterward. They're still happening,it seems as long as I don't streach when I wake up I'm o.k, until I have to walk. --THATS when they start cramping and don't stop until I put them up or soak in a hot tub. When it first happened the left side of my right leg was just one big ball, the next day it was twice the normal size and a purplish color. I feel your pain.

Answer 5

It has nothing to do with smoking or drinking.

When it happens, just get out of bed and walk a few steps and it will subside, if it is the pain that woke me up a quite a few times 6-7 months ago. It was just unbearable. and occured in early morning.

But it hasn't bothered me in a few months, thankfully, without any help from doctor.

Answer 6

i had that kind of pain too! I was like in my deep sleep then suddenly, I stretched my leg and it hurt so bad. It was just severe leg cramp. All I can suggest is to seek another doctor. He/she might have a different opinion, or try a chiropractor for a change.

Answer 7

My friend experienced the same thing just a few months ago. I suggested he try a product called Vineyard which helped tremendously. In a nutshell, it enhanced the quality of his circulation. You can get it from www.PreventionProof.com I like their products because they're backed it up with credible research, not some doctor's endorsement who's also "on the payroll". Good luck!
apuzyr@yahoo

Answer 8

I have had this as well i couldnt believe the pain. it was soo intense. I was told it was a charlie horse. i dont know exactly if that is true but apperhently when you sleep you move and you dont flex your muscle the right way and it pinches like that. if u find out how not to get them please let everyone know. my pain usually lasted a few days but nothing to go to a dr about but im chicken with docs. hope this helps.

Answer 9

At first I thought it sounded like Lymes disease. But there are other things it could be too; Encephalitis, Anemia or it could be a thyroid problem. I would get a second opinion at a childrens hospital. Or even another doctor. The sooner you find out the better you all will be. I hope the best for your son.

Answer 10

Weird, I use to get the same thing in my early running days. Hurt like terrible too! I don't know what made it go away but I started drinking lots of sport drinks (*aide), and eating more fruit (specially bananas). Good luck!