I have been having problems with my calves and hamstrings for about two years. Two years ago four hours in to a five hour bike ride my right hamstring and my left calf cramped up bad. I continued riding for an hour after I cramped. Since that day I have had constant tightness in my hamstring/calves and the feeling like I am going to cramp. Also since that day all the muscles in my legs (calves and hamstring) constantly have mini spasms and my hamstrings burn. It is like I turned on an electric switch in my legs that day and it will not turn off. I have tried a number of things to fix the problem:
• Stretching my a$$ off
• Constant hydration
• Long term use of supplements (magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, vitamins E, B,D)
• Once a week deep tissue massage.
• Daily ultra sound (I bought a machine)
• Ice x2 a day for days on end.
Has anyone else had a long term problem like this? Any advice on possible solutions would be great. I am signed up for an IM this summer and would like to be healthy. I made it through IM Florida in 05 by covering my legs in icy hot every twenty minutes.
I have been having problems with my calves and hamstrings for about two years. Two years ago four hours in to a five hour bike ride my right hamstring and my left calf cramped up bad. I continued riding for an hour after I cramped. Since that day I have had constant tightness in my hamstring/calves and the feeling like I am going to cramp. Also since that day all the muscles in my legs (calves and hamstring) constantly have mini spasms and my hamstrings burn. It is like I turned on an electric switch in my legs that day and it will not turn off. I have tried a number of things to fix the problem:
• Stretching my a$$ off
• Constant hydration
• Long term use of supplements (magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, vitamins E, B,D)
• Once a week deep tissue massage.
• Daily ultra sound (I bought a machine)
• Ice x2 a day for days on end.
Has anyone else had a long term problem like this? Any advice on possible solutions would be great. I am signed up for an IM this summer and would like to be healthy. I made it through IM Florida in 05 by covering my legs in icy hot every twenty minutes.
Brian
Sounds to me like you have developed a “minor” RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy). Anytime I hear either the words “constant” or “burning” to describe a pain I think of that diagnosis. Get evaluated by an expert in pain, preferably an anesthesiologist (as they are the ones with the best tools to treat it).
I don’t have any answers for you, but will say I have experienced and am still experiencing something very similar. I don’t recall it coming on in an instant like you do, but I have tons of lower hamstring/upper calf tightness all the time along with mini spasms.
I’ve tried all the things you have as well, magnesium, ice, etc. Stretching seems to help the most if I do it a ton. I have seen 3 orthopedists, a neurologist, had bloodwork done, 3 MRIs, and MRA, 2 rounds of physical therapy, accupuncture…you name it.
It seems to get tighter when I am seated and at higher cadences on the bike. I don’t really know what else to say, but that I think we are in the same boat, maybe I will look into what Frank mentioned.
I don’t have any answers for you, but will say I have experienced and am still experiencing something very similar. I don’t recall it coming on in an instant like you do, but I have tons of lower hamstring/upper calf tightness all the time along with mini spasms.
I’ve tried all the things you have as well, magnesium, ice, etc. Stretching seems to help the most if I do it a ton. I have seen 3 orthopedists, a neurologist, had bloodwork done, 3 MRIs, and MRA, 2 rounds of physical therapy, accupuncture…you name it.
It seems to get tighter when I am seated and at higher cadences on the bike. I don’t really know what else to say, but that I think we are in the same boat, maybe I will look into what Frank mentioned.
Massage the hamstring every day. Most instances the muscle above the “problem” area is the problem. I would guess this was your medial hamstring/medial calf? Have had same issues.
Wish I had answer for you as well because I have pretty much the same thing going on. In addition to about all of the above, I’m experimenting with changing the position of my desk chair and car seat since I’m in one or the other about all day. A lot of my twitching is where the seats put pressure on the hamstring. I’m also sitting here now with a rolling pin massaging it. $4 bucks from Walmart and does the job as well as the more expensive sticks.
Just found this thread today. Everything that you all have been describing as been happening to me as well over the last 6 to 8 months. No other muscles involved…just the lower hamstrings and the upper calves…especially on the right side. It seems as though bending the knee is what triggers many of the problems with the lower legs. When the knees are extended, it seems to stop the twitching, cramps etc in the calves and lower hams. Any others out there with this same problem?
Thanks!
At the time I think I tried to research why this might have worked and couldn’t find anything.
There’s some interesting research that suggests that pickle juice/vinegar/mustard can be effective in relieving cramps. Something in the acidic juice, perhaps even a specific molecule, may be lighting up specialized nervous-system receptors in the throat or stomach, which, in turn, send out nerve signals that somehow disrupt the reflex melee in the muscles.
Just found this thread today. Everything that you all have been describing as been happening to me as well over the last 6 to 8 months. No other muscles involved…just the lower hamstrings and the upper calves…especially on the right side. It seems as though bending the knee is what triggers many of the problems with the lower legs. When the knees are extended, it seems to stop the twitching, cramps etc in the calves and lower hams. Any others out there with this same problem?
Thanks!
There are two main causes of chronic muscle twitching or fasciculations that lead to cramps: 1. motor nerve hyperactivity at the spinal level or brain (this cause is complex to treat); and 2. unresolved muscle damage, ironically due to the repeated cramps (much simpler to treat). I recommend seeing a PT who specializes in neuromuscular rehabilitation. Stop taking NSAIDs, if this applies to you, to allow for muscle regeneration.
I notice in your efforts to fix the issue the only things you’ve tried are band-aids. Massage, stretching, etc. - none actually address the issue.
Imagine you own a business. Each day you come into work to find your two new staff members already at work. One of them is sitting playing on facebook, talking on the phone, maybe even outside having a cigarette. Meanwhile the other one is head down working hard. All day long every time you turn around it’s the same story - one guy is fooling around and the other is trying to pick up his slack and do two people’s work.
At the end of the quarter you sit down for their first appraisal and to find out their thoughts on the job. Who do you think complains? Is it the guy who has been basically having an extended coffee break all day, every day, or is it the guy doing the work of two men and getting paid for one?
Your hamstring is complaining because something else isn’t working right. What that is I can’t tell you from the internet but I’ll bet you that you’ve got a muscle imbalance and you’re suffering because of it. Stretching, massage, etc. - none of those things work to fix the actual problem, only on changing the tone of the muscle affected. While that may offer temporary relief the under lying issue still exists.
IMO you need to go find an SFMA/ FMS qualified therapist of some kind and then a good strength coach who is also FMS trained so they can communicate and you can actually fix the issue rather than just whack a band aid on it.
Wanted to thank all of you for your responses. Helps to know I am not the only one with this condition. Very well might be a muscular imbalance. Weightlifter here and lower body is not as developed as my upper body. Started seeing a chiropractor as well. ALso might have something to do with my lumbar region as well. Anyone else out there with a similar problem, please touch base.
Thanks!
I’ve had similar problems in the high ham/glute/deep six group. You should certainly consult various medical experts but it sure doesn’t hurt to try things in the meantime. For example, it could be muscle imbalances (week hams in relation to quads, for example) in which case try some different exercises, especially in the under-used coronal plane. If this is the problem, don’t expect instant relief - it takes time to correct imbalances. It could be muscle(s) in spasm. Muscle relaxants can help here, but should only be taken in the short term. Try deep massage for multiple days (if muscles are knotted badly, infrequent massage can exacerbate the problem). Yeah, it’ll hurt like hell but this has worked for me. Back off to a maintenance level frequency (every week or so). Never stop stretching. Good luck to you.
I want to thank everyone again for their responses. At your suggestions…I have been doing some research on muscle imbalances, specifically something called LOWER CROSSED SYNDROME. It seems to come about when certain stablizer/hip extender muscles…like your glutes and lower back muscles are underdeveloped, while the opposing hip flexer muscles are extremely tight. This causes extremely poor posture. Seems like what can happen in this situation is that the hamstrings can start to take on the job of the weak glutes in performing hip extension to compensate. Since they are not equipped for this job, the hams can become over stressed…as well as the calves…which seem to work along with the hams in this situation. I found the reading very interesting…and thought that it might be something to take a serious look at. The readings suggest several potential treatments including, strengthening the glutes and lower back muscles so they can start doing more of their jobs again. Also recommended… a great deal of stretching of the affected muscles and… different types of massage treatment of the affected tense muscles to help release the stressed muscles over time. Going to do some more reading. Thanks!