My calf muscles feel tight constantly, especially after exercise, not worse when resting but worse at night..?

Question

For years my calf muscles have felt this way, but now it's barely tolerable. I do not think it is Restless Leg Syndrome because it's not just a problem when sitting or resting. Exercise makes it lots worse and it is also most severe at night. Major stretching of the muscles seems to help temporarily. Doctor didn't have a clue. I'm looking for a lead on any possible cause. Please help. Thanks!

Also note that the problem came up 10 years ago, same time frame that I gained 20 lbs. Still 20 lbs overweight, is that enough to cause this?

Additional notes: It's not a circulation problem since I still have to shave my legs.. Short rest does not help, actually makes it worse to sit, but it does feel better in the morning.

I also take a mulitivitamin and eat bananas..doubt it's a potassium problem.

Answer 1

If part of the symptoms are swelling in your legs causing them to be more stiff, it sounds like it might POSSIBLY be edema. This puffiness under the skin and around the ankles is more apparent at the end of the day when fluids settle to the lowest part of the body. A potassium deficiency can worsen swelling (and therefore stiffness), so the first recourse if this is the problem is to increase potassium intake with high potassium foods and/or supplements. Drink PLENTY of water. Edema is related to kidney dysfunction and kidneys need LOTS of water to function properly. Take your weight in pounds. Divide it by two. The number you're left with is the number of ounces of water your kidneys need each day (if you're NOT particularly exercising much) to function properly. If you're exercising rigorously or sweating a lot, you need even more.

I hope this helps, even if the problem isn't edema.

Answer 2

Yes, 20lbs. could be causing the increased tension.

Did your doctor draw lab values on you? You could ask him if your potassium or calcium is low.......sore muscles (especially calves) could be a sign.

Also, maybe low sodium, but you'd be experiencing other symptoms as well, like forgetfulness, fatigue, ect.....

Could also be just a build-up of lactic acid since you said stretching helps. Try yoga. No kidding, it helps all sorts of ailments.

Answer 3

Like a spasm? if so, that's common. you would be able to desire to understand that at an analogous time as pregnant that's plenty much less complicated to alter into diet detrimental and dehydrated it is many times why human beings get 'charlie horses'. Or they positioned too plenty tension on particular muscular tissues. My suggestion is unquestionably push the fluids and take a seat and munch on protein or end result. at an analogous time as having the spasm flex your foot to advance the muscle(s). I critically doubt that that's a clot. Any swelling or redness obvious? which you're able to have regarded at. unquestionably to ease your ideas - bypass on your wellness care professional.

Answer 4

potassium deficiency

get some vitamins with it or eat bananas

Answer 5

Look up intermittant claudication. That may be your trouble.

Answer 6

i think its because your muscles tighten but during practice its ok because your stretching them at night they tighten because they arent excersing any more .. answere my question about xanx