bruised calf

[barbari]

Thought I was doing so well after my stent placement. No more chest pains, no more "pinching" feelings or fatigue until I finally checked my leg to see what's been causing me pain for the past 3 days - felt like a cramped calf muscle (charley horse) - and there is a bruise next to my right calf!
Have an appt. tomorrow. No redness or swelling. Is this a blood clot or did I injure myself without knowing?

[kenkeith]

I thought about plavix and aspirin, but that would usually show discoloration...common effects from anti-platelet medication.

Cramps at rest are very common, especially in older adults, but may be experienced at any age, including childhood. Rest cramps often occur during the night. While not life-threatening, night cramps (commonly known as nocturnal cramps) can be painful, disruptive of sleep, and they can recur frequently (that is, many times a night, and/or many nights each week). The actual cause of night cramps is unknown. Sometimes, such cramps are initiated by making a movement that shortens the muscle. An example is pointing the toe down while lying in bed, which shortens the calf muscle, a common site of cramps.  I have experienced this type of cramp...very painful.

[barbari]

I was told by the nurse that the bruises are from Plavix and aspirin. They might lower it in a few weeks they said (at the 3 month appointment). Meanwhile I got another bruise on my arm for no reason other than resting it on my chair!
I don't know why I'm getting muscle cramps - maybe I'm not absorbing potassium as I should since I do eat fruits like bananas and oranges.

[kenkeith]

Muscle cramps can be caused by a lack of potassium in the system.  Usually, a bruise causes discoloration and some sweeling?