Muscle spasms in legs that cause bruising

[sbartist]

I have been getting (every once in a while, but now more often) real bad spasms in my legs and they are causing bruises. It usually happens in the night, I will wake up with severe pain, I believe it is a charley horse, in my lower leg. The next morning there is a bruise where the spasm was.
1. Is there a way to prevent these spasms?
2. What causes the bruising and is this something I should go see a doctor about?

[sbartist]

Thanks for the info, I am taking a fittness class in college right now and haven't been able to stop but I guess I can with a doctor's excuse.
There is only brusing on my lower legs and it only happens when I get those spasms which only happen once in a blue moon but now more often since I stepped up the exercising.  (3 times in the past 1 1/2 months)
I am scheduling an appointment to see a doctor. (I have to find a new one since I am away at school) Is there any specific questions you think I should ask?
Thanks again

[Tuckamore]

Cramps and spasms can be from over use of your muscles. If you do not exercise do you still get the bothersome symptoms? I would stop the exercising for a week and see if you still get the bruising and cramping. If you do it is time to see a physician asap.

If you don't than I would still see your physician but would feel a bit relieved that your symptoms are most likely induced by the exercise. Your PCP most likely will ask what makes it better and what makes it worse. If you stop the exercise you will be able to answer his/her question and he/she will have a place to begin instead of being told to stop the exercise and see if that makes a difference. It is bruising that I find most concerning. So you have unexplained bruising in any other part of your body?

Please let us know how you are doing.

Tuck  

[sbartist]

I am not on blood thinners or any medication. I am a 20 year old and have just added some more exercise to my daily routine so I wasn't sure if that could be it. I have also been having pain in my lower legs when exercising and it get to a point where I have to stop and rest. I have trying to make sure I am getting enough water and vitamins/potassium but that could be it? The bruising may not be from the cramps/spasm but I only see them after a muscle spasm.
I hate going to the doctors and but I will if you feel like it is really necessary.
Thanks for helping!

[Tuckamore]

It's a bit late for me and I made a typo...sorry. I meant to say: Is it possible that you ARE seeing a thrombus (a clot)?

Sorry Again,
Tuck

[Tuckamore]

Hi Sbartist,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am sorry that you are experiencing muscle cramping/spasms.

This can be a common occurrence for some that is just an insignificant misfiring of nerve fibers. For others it can be from overexertion, a vitamin or mineral deficiency and/or dehydration. Lack 0of fluids in your system can lead to an electrolyte imbalance which in turn can cause your muscles to spasm or cramp.

Bruising does not normally accompany spasms. Are you on blood thinners or any medication that could thin your blood? Is it possible the bruising is not related to the cramping? Is it possible that you are not seeing a thrombus (a blood clot)? Is the area warm or red?

I suggest that you consult your PCP. It could be nothing but maybe some lab work to rule out some deficiencies would be in order. Please let us know how you are doing. We will look forward to hearing from you again.

Peace,
Tuck