Calf Muscle - cramp

[nbergren]

Hey all

A couple of weeks ago I woke up in the night with a charlie horse. I have not had one of them since I was pregnant. Man, I forgot how much I hate them! My hubby massaged it out and it was gone pretty quick. The next day my leg was a little sore but nothing major. Anyway, since then I have just felt that muscle a lot more than I did before and more than I do in the other leg. I even find myself massaging it through out the day because I feel it.

I read that stretching before bed helps as does eating bananas. I also read it could be a indication of a Thyriod disorder, but I have none of the other symptoms. I haven't had another charlie horse since and I want to avoid that at all costs! Any advice? Has anyone else experienced anything like this before?

A little background on me... I do occasionally have restless leg syndrome. I have not changed up my workout routine. I typically do 3 cardios a week, varying intensity, 2 upper/lower body weight days a week and a pilates/yoga day. In addition, I walk some, play a little tennis here and there and do bike... but none of these are done to an extreme.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Redeye]

The only 2 times I've had calf cramps (Charlie Horses):

1. While pregnant
2. Right after my thyroid quit working

That's no help, is it? Sorry.

 

[nbergren]

Interesting. Thanks for your response Redeye. Did you have any other symptoms when your Thyriod quit working? Are you on med's for it now?

Thanks,
Nancy

 

[carolynjane]

I could have written this!!! I was out of town this week and woke up in the middle of the night with a charlie horse. I had had a feeling of a slightly pulled muscle in my calf for several weeks, but nothing major. When I woke up, it felt tight, and I stretched my leg. Wow!!! I jumped up out of bed trying not to scream! I have never had anything like that! The next morning I could hardly walk, but it loosened up as the day went on. Today, it was tight again when I got up, but is better now.

I had never heard about something like that being connected to a thryoid problem. Why would that be a sign? If it is - and I continue to have problems - I think I will get it checked out.

 

[atiman]

I had one about 6 months ago that took me by surprise. I was getting into my car. I lifted my leg and my calf locked up with biggest and most painful knot in it. I practically fell out of my car. I was in so much pain. the cramp seriously took several minutes for it to disappear. I also had some soreness which stayed there for a few days. I was aware of that muscle, too. I was freaked out that it would happen again. I went home and imediately took some potassium pills.


Then about two weeks later, while in a cardio class, I lifted my knee up to do a knee up and I heard a pop. I torn my muscle in the same spot that I had that charlie horse. It took me about five or six weeks or so to be able to do step again, with confidence.

I wasn't aware that there was a connection with muscle cramps and thyroid problems.

 

[fitnessgirl]

i get calf cramps quite often when i'm deficient in potassium

 

[teddy16410]

I use to get them all the time. My doc said the potassium thing (started eating 1 banana a day) and a lesser known cause he said is sodium buildup (I cut out sodium as well) and never had 1 since (knock on wood!) 2 years free of thoe pesky buggers
They are soooooooo painful!

 

[Redeye]

From www.thyroid.about.com (Mary Shomon)

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (An underactive thyroid)

fatigue, exhaustion
feeling run down and sluggish
depression
difficulty concentrating, brain fog
unexplained or excessive weight gain
dry, coarse and/or itchy skin
dry, coarse and/or thinning hair
feeling cold, especially in the extremities
constipation
muscle cramps
increased menstrual flow
more frequent periods
infertility/miscarriage

I have had most of these symptoms for the last year. I would get cramps in my feet at night and then I began to get cramps in my arms and legs during the day.

I went to the doctor 2 months ago because I thought I was having heart probs...my arms and legs were numb, my chest was tight, and I was having problems breathing. It turned out to be hypothyroidism. I'm on medication and doing MUCH BETTER.

I was diagnosed with this about 15 years ago, but ignored it. Stupid, huh?