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Long Term Calf Cramp
Back in March of 2021, I randomly passed out falling down stairs and hitting my head on my basement floor. Since that fall I have had a cramp in my right calf. In July 2021 the doctor and I agreed to gastrocnemius release surger after physical therapy failed. The surgery did wonders for few months until the cramping came back. I tried physical therapy again with negative results, my right leg began to shrink. I have had numerous EMGs, MRIs X-rays and more with nothing to be found. I'm currently working with a neurologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. He put me on carbidopa-levodopa aka parkison medication, and bacolfen which is helping. This month I had EMG, blood test and MRIs on my brain and full spine nothing to be found. According to the neurologist I get to join the special patient club of undiagnosable.
Side note: As a kid I was severely piegon toed. In 2005 I had surgery that involved surgical break both my ankles to straightening my feet. Doctors don't believe that has any relationship to what I'm experiencing today.
I'm looking for someone has had similar experience and what doctors did for you. Look for some ideas to pass on to the doctors that might lead to cure or cause.
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@nasbyevan
Have you seen a vascular specialist to check peripheral arteries/veins? Have you had an ankle brachial index test?
Have you had an ultrasound of your calf?
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1 ReactionI have not seen a vascular specialist yet, but they did a couple of vascular test and ultrasounds at Mayo in Rochester last year. The doctor said everything looks like it should for someone who is 30 years old.
Few doctors briefly talked about looking into vascular issues, until I mentioned I average at least 10,000 steps a day and walking relieves the pain/stiffness in my calf.
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1 ReactionMy Symptoms
Calf pain
Calf cramp when inactive
Calf muscle shrinks while doing physical therapy
Walking feels amazing it slowly release the calf cramp, but cramping comes back once I stop moving.
Driving is virtually impossible
I had leg cramping for a while, usually at night. They would awaken me. I could relieve them by getting out of bed and flattening my foot on the flooor.
I found that increasing my intake of magnesium relieved the cramps, and I haven't been bothered by it for the last year. It might be worth trying.
Just research appropriate intake of magnesium or consult your doctor.
I stopped supplementing with extra magnesium and snack on almonds during the day.
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2 ReactionsI’ve shared on some other posts it’s not a permanent fix but been beneficial to me and others I’ve shared with. I was taught by a massage therapist years ago to with the side of your hand karate chop the middle of the bottom side of your foot it has always knocked Charlie horses out. I’ve even used the heel of the other foot to hit with. Good luck finding out what’s wrong and let me know if you try this if it worked
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1 ReactionOne of first doctors I saw back 2021 recommended trying magnesium, but it did not help. My symptoms are only in my right calf, which has confused all the doctors and other medical personnel I have seen. Several doctors mentioned the possibility of deficiencies in essential minerals and vitamins. They soon decide thats not possible because I would have symptoms throughout my entire body not just my right calf.
Hi @nasbyevan, My symptoms were in one leg only. They were in my right leg, which I've always overused, as I had surgery on my left knee to repair severed ligaments years ago.
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