[Dragonfly32]

I have been getting spasms in the right side of my calf in my right leg. I looked at the muscular system and it would seem that the spasms are in either the Peroneus Longus or the Extensor Digitorum Longus muscles. I get them in the morning and they are so severe that my foot turns inward and I don't know what to do to stop it. Walking it out does NOT work. After about 15 to 20 minutes, it stops, leaving a dull ache in that area and my calf as well as in the top arch of my foot.

I also get periodic spasms in the arches of both feet and the spasms make my toes look disfigured, as well as causes a great deal of discomfort. I've noticed most when I am in my swimming pool (as strange as that may seem).

I've asked my doctor and he doesn't seem to know what it is.

I would appreciate any input on what it might be and how to relieve the pain when it's happening.

[J_9]

Let me start with the basics. Are you on any medications? Some medications do have this as a side effect.

[Dragonfly32]

I used to take cholesterol medication (statins) but those were discontinued about a year (or more) ago as a possible cause for calf spasms - which I used to have in both legs(different from the ones I have on the side of my right leg now). I took Zetia for a while, but I stopped several months ago. I just finished a one-week regimen of prednisone for inflammation caused by carpal tunnel and plantar fasciitis. I'm not taking anything else.

[J_9]

May have found your culprit. Zetia, although not a statin, has a very low risk of this type of symptom. It could take several months to get it out of your system entirely depending on the length of time you took it.

Also, have you had your potassium levels checked recently?

[Dragonfly32]

Don't know... I started a workout lately that seemed to trigger a lot of things. I did have blood work done recently, but I don't know if potassium would've been a part of it. My husband seems to think that it could have something to do with a difficiency (i.e. calcium, potassium - like you, even though I try to eat a banana every day, etc.) or dehydration. I will be seeing the doctor again soon for follow-up.

Anyway, do you have any idea what to do to ease the pain when the spasm attacks? Rubbing/massaging just seems to make it hurt worse and trying to walk it out doesn't work, either.

Thanks.

[J_9]

My mother has this same problem. It seems that it is a common side effect with the statins (which you stopped), however for some reason continues when Zetia is added in place of the statins.

Bananas are good, but there are better foods for potassium, kiwi, orange juice and avocado just to name a few. Calcium, possibly, but this is usually more of a potassium deficiency. Dehydration may also trigger this.

To be quite honest with you I haven't found anything that eases the pain of the spasm. I wish I could help more on that front. Have you tried to apply heat?

[Dragonfly32]

Thanks for the potassium ideas (can't do the orange juice, though - too hard on the stomach).

No, I hadn't tried heat - I wasn't sure if heat or ice would be best.

[J_9]

Ice is good for swelling, heat is better for pain. If there is no swelling you should apply heat.

[Dragonfly32]

Thank you.

[ForestCamper]

Have been trying an exercise that I read on a runners' blog. Cross your leg, with ankle on knee and then with your hand, turn the pad of your foot upwards towards the ceiling (won't turn far). This is a stretching exercise and after pretty severe cramping recently, seems to be helping.

[EstateQuestions]

Did you ever get a diagnosis? I know you asked the question long ago, but soungs so much like a form of dystonia that a neurologist wouls diagnose.