Muscle Spasm/Cramp
15 post(s),
8 voice(s)
Voices: TheAng, arnthorla, ThriveFit, Lephturn, IrishEyes, lilamarie, hunrugger, and robinjackman
| Nov 25, 2009 8:30pm |
Anyone has some advice on what I can do to relax a muscle cramp and spasm? My calves seized up today while doing physical therapy stretches – both the PT and my doctor told me to go to the ER. I go there – they did ultrasound, found no clots but then sent me home with “tendonitis and muscle spasm” Wouldn’t give me any medication or do anything further. It’s still quite painful despite 4 advil and now that it’s a holiday, all the offices are closed. I’ve tried some massage and icing – still stiff and painful. Not going to be a fun 4-day weekend. :( Halp! |
| Nov 26, 2009 7:26am |
You probably know all this. The only thing I can think of is hydration, stretching, massage, … perhaps some mineral issues. |
|
Nov 27, 2009 1:42pm
|
|
| Nov 27, 2009 2:16pm |
So far it’s only marginally better and I’m just trying to live with it because I’m not sure what else to do. Got on the exercise bike today to see if I can get it stretched out – really light work for only 10 minutes and then stretched it best I could. At this point it just feels like the calves won’t fully relax which is pretty annoying. Been spending a lot of time on couch watching movies. Going to do some ice/heat/ice things and hope for the best. Good thing I have bananas – I’ll try that! |
|
Dec 2, 2009 8:05am
|
A good heating pad will work wonders. Heat your calves well, then stretch them carefully. If you don’t have a heating pad, a hot bath will do the trick. I agree with the banana, one a day seems to really help prevent cramping. |
| Dec 2, 2009 11:28am |
Sadly this has gone beyond just normal cramps – I’ve done the heat and stretch, baths every night actually. Even the first muscle relaxers haven’t done much but make me moody – seeing a specialist tomorrow and just trying to hang in there. |
|
Dec 2, 2009 12:33pm
|
It sounds like it might be more serious than low potassium, but like PamelaH said, bananas can’t hurt. I’ve also switched from salt to No-Salt, which is made with potassium and has no sodium (I switched because of blood pressure, tho) – you might look for that or something similar, if you think the extra might help. |
| Dec 12, 2009 12:00am |
I wish this still wasn’t a problem but sadly it is. The hope is that once I get back to walking normally (ie: no boot) that it might improve. It’s frustrating to keep hearing from people that don’t know what to do for me. My PT tried a few different things tonight but is concerned about the amount of pain and doesn’t really have any ideas left. I may be going back to my PCP next week, if I can get a appointment, because wow this makes life hard for myself and people around me. Makes me a little bit cranky sometimes.. ;) I wish there was a shot or something that would work like cortisone does for joint pain – that would be so nice. Apparently the muscles are cramped up, spasming on and off and knotted in places. PT tried doing simple massage but it was nearly unbearable and he had to stop. At this point it’s really only 2 more weeks or so but wow that seems like a long time. |
|
Dec 12, 2009 2:28pm
|
I am really sorry to hear you are still having the problem. I can only imagine the pain and the frustration. I know your PT tried massage, but have you tried an actual massage therapist. Perhaps they have technique that might help. I do hope you feel better soon. |
| Dec 12, 2009 3:04pm |
My friend is going to send me some contact information for a local doctor that does both massage and acupuncture type things – she really likes him so I figure it might be worth a shot. |
| Dec 12, 2009 6:28pm |
I looked on the Internet for you and believe it or not one posting said to carry around small mustard packet with you and when the spasm strikes down a packet followed by a glass of water. Try it, maybe it will work—I’ve done crazier things. Another site suggested, Alternating heat and ice to break the spasm. If you have help, find the trigger point (the spot where you feel like you are going to jump out of your skin when you press kinda hard) and have someone apply pressure. The pressure needs to be applied slowly so you do not flinch. Once you have really deep pressure on the trigger point, you can do some friction massage (latitudinal or longitudinal strokes) while keeping the pressure on. A few minutes of this should knock it out. Go easy though because if you flinch, the pressure is either too much or was applied too firmly. After that, some ice and a bit of rest!! Good luck and feel better |
|
Dec 12, 2009 7:49pm
|
Good luck. Have you had any neck, head or back injuries recently? You might consider a chiropractor and neurologist (in that order, IMO). Nerve damage, though on the extreme end of probabilities is a possible culprit, considering your situation it may be more likely. I’ve had multiple neck injuries including fractured C1 and C2, herniate discs at C5 and 6 and lastly completely ruptured (and removed) C6 and 7. I’ve experienced spasms and cramping with 2 of the 3 incidents. My spasms, though not severe continued for months when I completely ruptured 6 and 7. I have witnessed other rugby players with uncontrollable spasms and cramps after neck injuries. Again, best of luck. |
| Dec 13, 2009 2:42pm |
Ok I took the trigger point suggestion, Lila, and did some trial and error with pressure and it worked! Finally the cramps released… it’s the best day ever. Now though, super super sore – feels like I’ve run a marathon or something and I have to keep on the pressure points from time to time to keep it from ceasing up again. I’ll take the soreness over the cramps any day though. I’m going to talk to my PT tomorrow and ask him about foam roller stretches – I think it’s going to be receptive to stretching now, the few light ones I did felt so good. It’s like getting my legs back. Now I just have to keep up with the light massage and stretching for another week or so, then the transitions begins back to normal walking! :) I can’t wait! |
| Dec 13, 2009 3:03pm |
Ang, You made my day; I’m so glad you finally found some relief. It’s amazing what you kind discover on the internet. Feel good! |
| Jul 15, 2012 9:16am |
I tried Acupuncture for my back and shoulder pain and it worked great. The acupuncture doctors at this practice seem to really know what they are doing. Check them out http://www.phoenixacupuncture.org/ |
