strange calf pain in the middle of the night?

Question

at about 2:45 in the morning today i suddenly woke up with extreme pain in the muscle in the back of my lower leg. the calf...or is it calve? i don`t care. its happened to me last week in the same leg, an da really long time ago, liek a year, in both of my legs. this one was worse then the one last week because it woke up my little sister because i was like crying and screaming in pain. also i tried to walk during the night when it was hurting, but my leg wouldn`t budge from the position it was in, i barely had any movement in my leg and couldn`t really feel my foot, today i am walking with a limp, on my left leg, thats where it hurt. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE try to help me. it ALWAYS happens in the late night/very early morning.

thank you SO MUCH!!

ps: i am a 14 yr old female, if you were wondering.

Answer 1

This sounds like something that happens to me every now and then. What it sounds like is that you get what they call a "charlie horse" in the back of your leg. You'll know 'cause it'll feel like your back muscle is trying to pull itself apart. Here's what I do...stay where you are laying or whatever, then just slowly start pointing your toes up into the air while the rest of your leg stays still. You'll feel the muscles start to pull a little bit but if it IS a charlie horse then the hurting muscle will start to feel better. But if you start doing this and it starts hurting even more...stop, and then go to a doctor.

Answer 2

It's a charlie horse, muscle spasms in your leg. the WORST thing to do is stretch it out because you can tear the muscle I've had them frequently ALL my life(I'm 28 now). There's really nothing that can be done about them, You'll notice warning signs however if you continue to have them, like aching in the muscles during the day especially before bed. I found that when I think I'm gonna have one I wrap my leg in an ace bandage for the night, sometimes works, but I've still ended up having them.

Answer 3

Sounds like a Charley Horse -- I get them every once in awhile and they are quite painful. Eat raisins for the next couple of days -- that should take care of it if that's really the problem. Also, do a search online for vitamins because I think they're caused by some type of deficiency. Good luck!

Answer 4

I used to have this problem. It is usually caused by low potassium levels. Try eating a banana or an orange about 30 minutes before going to bed. Also try tonic water....it contains quinine. One ounce before bedtime can help prevent nighttime leg cramps. Good luck!

Answer 5

I've found that if I get up and put all my weight on it or even walk on it the instant that the pain hits ( It is going to hurt like hell!), there's less chance of it aching or walking with a limp later. Potassium is rumored to lessen the "attacks", so stock up on bananas.

Answer 6

Sounds like you are getting cramps in the middle of the night. You might be tossing, turning and stretching without being aware of it. If that is the case, you are not getting enough potassium, try eating bananas before you go to bed.

Answer 7

My grandma used to get really bad leg cramps.... she used Quinine. It's in club soda... mix it with some juice, it has a gross taste when by itself.

Answer 8

lack of potassium is causing it, you can need to eat more potassium rich foods, such as bananas or get vitiaman pills

Answer 9

have your mom take you to the doctor.........unless you are pregnant then i would suggest they are charlie horse.........get those every time i am pregnant