pain in calf, woke me up at night. why?

teagin2002

Hello,
I have not had time to exercise at all for the past 3 weeks, however my rite calf woke me up last night.
I used to have these pains when I was 10 to 14, where it wakes me up and causes me to move my body to try to stop the pain.
almost like the muscle is twisted and I am trying to straighten out my body with my leg.
why did this happen?

♚SuperHeather♚

Low potassium!

NaomiLyn15

Lactic acid build up. Eat a banana and drink more water. It will go away.

netchik

Was it a cramp or a stitch?

I often get cramps in my calves and feet due to a calcium deficiency but much more common is sodium deficiency.

However if it wasn't a cramp then best ask your doctor to take a look

MelanieL1984

I think this is what they call a "charlie horse." I got them a lot when I was pregnant. They say it's because you lack potassium in your system or you are dehydrated. Try to up the fluids and eat a banana or something w/ potassium during the day to prevent this from happening.

spacecase76

I agree with all of the above! Lactic Acid build up from low potassium. Eat a banana or sweet potatoes or pick up a potassium supplement.

godblessourhome

ouch! i used to get those at night when i was pregnant. it was from low potassium.

sharonus

You can add potassium to your 'Nutrients Tracked' in settings to help you keep an eye on that on a daily basis.

jennajava

low potassium

loseiteli

I think this is what they call a "charlie horse."

I agree that this is what it was. I get them whenever I do not drink enough water...used to be all the time, but havent had one in a while! Drink lots of water today.

if you get another one force yourself to stand up, flat footed, this helps stretch the muscle and helps it return to normal.

JaimeBrown5

To make the pain stop (without having to get out of bed) - bend your knee and drive your heel down into the mattress as hard as you can and point your toes up to the ceiling. It stretches the muscle and the pain will stop. If it doesn't stop within 10-15 seconds, you might have to get up and do it on the floor, but pressing through your heel will stop it.

jstrohs1

I use to get them also.....like a ball in your calf ...very painful!!
That's when I knew I was Low on potassium! Eat some bananas!!

mandimoore617

Yep, everyone's right... low potassium = lactic acid build up = charlie horse. Very painful. They used to wake me up at night when I was pregnant (they're pretty common in pregnancy) and my mom has to be on a potassium supplement due to one of her medicines stripping her potassium. Google high potassium foods. There's a lot to choose from, not just bananas (though bananas are a great source, I just can't eat them often as I'm not a big banana fan).

teagin2002

ty very much!
I will increase my Potassium and calcium intake.

Lisa_222

Actually, it might be more of a calcium-magnesium deficiency. Try taking a calcium-magnesium combination supplement close to bed time. Magnesium helps you absorb the calcium and calcium has a role in muscle cell function. A little magnesium before bed is also supposed to be good for sleep. Don't forget, too, when a crap settles in, do not point your toes but pull your toes up and toward you quickly in the opposite direction and the cramp will immediately relax.