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What Causes Calf Cramps While Swimming?

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Posted on Sat, 3 May 2014
Question: I am a 62 year old extremely fit male. I often get calf cramps when I swim, and occasionally get them at night. Last night I had an extremely painful cramp that woke me up in the middle of the night. Today the calf is significantly swollen. I do not recall the calf ever swelling before after a cramp. Should I be seen by a physician? If so do I need to go tonight or is tomorrow morning ok?
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Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Possible muscle tear Detailed Answer: Hi, It could be that you sustained a muscle tear during the cramp. The commonest region to tear would be the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. If this was the case the muscle in your calf would be tender over the inside of your leg and it would be painful in this location when you stand on tip toe. Unfortunately muscle tears can take 2-3 months to improve. Antiinflammatory medication, physiotherapy and massage can be helpful during recovery and rehabilitation. Avoidance of sporting and impact activities during healing is important as this can prolong the healing period. The differential diagnosis of calf swelling and pain includes a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg) and so I would consult a physician to be certain about the diagnosis as this is a more serious condition that requires treatment. Night cramps can be helped by taking some soda water or quinine sulphate tablets at night, stretching and taking a warm bath or shower before bed, compression stockings (mild to moderate) and having varicose veins or venous insufficiency dealt with surgically if this is a problem you have. I hope this information helps you. Best wishes
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Karl Logan

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 705 Questions

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What Causes Calf Cramps While Swimming?

Brief Answer: Possible muscle tear Detailed Answer: Hi, It could be that you sustained a muscle tear during the cramp. The commonest region to tear would be the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. If this was the case the muscle in your calf would be tender over the inside of your leg and it would be painful in this location when you stand on tip toe. Unfortunately muscle tears can take 2-3 months to improve. Antiinflammatory medication, physiotherapy and massage can be helpful during recovery and rehabilitation. Avoidance of sporting and impact activities during healing is important as this can prolong the healing period. The differential diagnosis of calf swelling and pain includes a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg) and so I would consult a physician to be certain about the diagnosis as this is a more serious condition that requires treatment. Night cramps can be helped by taking some soda water or quinine sulphate tablets at night, stretching and taking a warm bath or shower before bed, compression stockings (mild to moderate) and having varicose veins or venous insufficiency dealt with surgically if this is a problem you have. I hope this information helps you. Best wishes