Question 1

calf pain about 2 weeks ago i got what i thought was a charlie horse in the calf of my left leg and since then the pain seems to have moved up in back of my knee, do you think i have just sprained  my calf. or is there some thing else going on. thank you!

Accepted Answer

Hard : Hard to say without seeing it, but one concern I have is phlebitis, an inflamed clot inside a vein, which can cause pain and swelling and the feeling of migration further up the leg.  There are two kinds of phlebitis: superficial thrombophlebitis, which is annoying at best, and deep vein thrombosis, which is a medical emergency because the clot has the ability to break off and travel to the lung.

Given there is a possibility of the latter, i would recommend you make an appointment with your primary care physician today.  If you're having chest pain or shortness of breath, you must go to the er immediately.

I don't mean to be an alarmist.  What you have could just be a silly muscle sprain.  But given my lack of ability to see your leg, and given the possibility of you having a dvt, i'd rather not take chances and insist you get checked out now to be safe.

Stop reading and go!

Question 2

can charley horse happen in front of leg instead of calf? got spasm in front lower leg from below knee to foot. very painful like the usual spasm but this was in front of leg instead of back calf. not sure what caused?

Accepted Answer

: When you exceed the endurance capabilities of a muscle, it locks up in order to protect itself from tearing. (otherwise, continued use would cause the tear.) this type of spasm or cramp is known as a charlie horse. They can occur in any muscle that you exceed that muscle's endurance limit.

Question 3

i have been getting strange pain in my knee.it feels like a charlie horse under and around my kneecap. what could that be?

Accepted Answer

: It could be patellofemoral syndrome. You should have your primary care evaluate and refer to therapy. There are other possible causes that your PCP can evaluate for as well

Question 4

i have had charlie horse-like pains in my right knee that radiates down the leg. it always seems to happen when i lie down to go to sleep. any advice?

Accepted Answer

Maybe internal knee: Hi DRoy
Is your knee otherwise fine?  Sometimes inflammation inside the knee can be triggered by changes in position when lying down, and start hurting. Any 'radiating' pain also suggests nerve compression as a source. Try more stretching, but if continues, consult with your PCP. Good luck.

Question 5

why do you get charlie horse cramps in leg after having back surgery?

Accepted Answer

Exercise calves: Most likely because the strain and discomfort of your back you have not exercised your calves so the accumulation of Lactic Acid in the calves causes cramps. Also rule out other causes like low potassium, low calcium or magnesium. Try tonic water, exercises doing ( standing on your toes) tip-toe. Some medicines could cause it ( cholesterol pills).

Question 6

so for two months i been having leg pain it started a few days after i caught a charley horse in my hamstring. after that i would only feel the pain in the back of my thigh hamstring area. but now its there and down into my calf.  what could this be?

Accepted Answer

: Although your symptoms may still be muscular I recommend consulting a physician or vascular surgeon to check for any evidence of phlebitis or a Baker's cyst.. An ultrasound study will most likely be ordered as part of the evaluation.

Question 7

i have pain down the back of my left leg feel like a charley horse trying to start 4 days now could it have anything to do with bulging disk in my bac?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If the bulging disc is pressing on nerve roots, it could cause the symptoms you described. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be helpful.

Question 8

i have a charlie horse in my leg can't stand up?

Accepted Answer

Get to the ER: You don't say why you are on prednisone.  You could have a new compression fracture in your spine.   Your electrolytes could be off. Not being able to stand up is a bit of a deal breaker and makes this an emergency.

Question 9

what should i do for a really bad charlie horse in my leg?  how can i prevent them?

Accepted Answer

Hmm: Do these spontaneously occur or from trauma?  If you are having sudden tightness, redness, or pain from your calf or behind the knee, you may want to get checked for a blood clot.  If it's from trauma or exercise, hydration and stretching with ice and possible antiinflammatory medication will help.

Question 10

how long does leg pain last after a charley horse?

Accepted Answer

Some times long: Time( few days), some times few minutes, it depends on the amount damage to the muscle for the charley horse some time minimum and some time there is major damage.

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Doctor answers about:

Charlie horse in back of knee

A member asked:

Calf pain about 2 weeks ago i got what i thought was a charlie horse in the calf of my left leg and since then the pain seems to have moved up in back of my knee, do you think i have just sprained my calf. or is there some thing else going on. thank you!

A member asked:

Can charley horse happen in front of leg instead of calf? got spasm in front lower leg from below knee to foot. very painful like the usual spasm but this was in front of leg instead of back calf. not sure what caused?

A member asked:

I have been getting strange pain in my knee.it feels like a charlie horse under and around my kneecap. what could that be?

A member asked:

I have had charlie horse-like pains in my right knee that radiates down the leg. it always seems to happen when i lie down to go to sleep. any advice?

A member asked:

Why do you get charlie horse cramps in leg after having back surgery?

A member asked:

So for two months i been having leg pain it started a few days after i caught a charley horse in my hamstring. after that i would only feel the pain in the back of my thigh hamstring area. but now its there and down into my calf. what could this be?

A member asked:

I have pain down the back of my left leg feel like a charley horse trying to start 4 days now could it have anything to do with bulging disk in my bac?

A member asked:

I have a charlie horse in my leg can't stand up?

A member asked:

What should i do for a really bad charlie horse in my leg? how can i prevent them?

A member asked:

How long does leg pain last after a charley horse?

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