calf spasms

[sg85]

I have had an increase in frequency of calf spasms/cramps over the past 6-8 weeks.  I was training for a marathon in mid-November and noticed a slight increase in the 3 weeks before.  Since then I have spent about 4 weeks resting a stress fracture in my foot, so have not been running.  I have always had the occasional night calf cramps (maybe about once a month or every couple months), but these now occur more like 3 times a week and are not only at night.  I notice them most frequently when swimming (they've occured during kicking and pushing from the wall), when sitting with my legs elevated, when having sex, and occasionally when asleep.  They occur in both legs and there is an apparent muscle "knot" as they start that I can usually aleviate by rubbing or putting weight on my leg.  I continue to have residual pain in the leg for 1-3 days afterwards.  I am typically pretty well-hydrated and have at least 1 banana a day, so I feel like my potassium should be adequate.  I do spend most of my day on my feet at work.  I also take Atenolol, but have been taking that for about 2 years without problems.  Is this something I should be worried about?  Right now it's more of an annoyance than anything else, although it is pretty scary to get a cramp mid-pool.  I was just getting worried that it might be a sign of a circulation problem or muscle injury that I should get checked out.  

[JainMD]

Hi,
What’s you name? Are you a professional athlete?
You would be having constant pain if you have muscle tear bilaterally, but if there is gradual tear it would not be constant, it would appear only on movement.
Keep me informed.
Bye.

[sg85]

Thanks for responding.  I had thought about a calf muscle tear, but thought that might be less likely since it is both of my calves.  Would I be having such frequent cramps/charlie horses with a muscle tear or would it be more of a constant pain?  I'll definitely keep up the RICEing.  

[JainMD]

Hi,
I understand how it would to stay out of exercise for a marathon runner like you for long.
I feel what you might be having is a calf muscle tear.
This usually comes as a sudden pain which gets relieved on its own.
You should be seeing a doctor who specializes in bone disease and discuss with him regarding further management.
Initial management should consist of RICE protocol.
Rest: no weight-bearing activities for the first 24 hours after the injury.
Ice: apply ice packs to the area that is painful or the focal point of the injury. Apply ice intermittently for the first 24 hours, utilizing a pattern of 20 minutes of ice followed by 60 minutes without ice.
Compression: apply an ACE bandage or other elastic wrap to calf muscle to help prevent swelling.
Elevation: elevate the leg to reduce swelling.
Hope this helps.
An imaging study is needed to rule out any fracture which is highly unlikely.
Keep me informed.
Bye.