Twitches in CALF MUSCLE? ANYONE?

Are you well hydrated?

Yeah, I get that a lot especially after long races. I'm also susceptible to calf cramps, usually in bed.

I've not figured out how to eliminate the muscle twitches (which I see - they look pretty gruesome - but don't usually feel). For me it doesn't seem to be hydration or any lack of electrolytes (take in plenty; have tried magnesium / calcium supplements in the past).

For the calf cramps I gotta keep up with stretching. It helps to wear low-heeled shoes, and a little self-massage is good too. But even then I get the postrace calf twitching.

Probably a series of misfires. Drink more water and gatorade. Also you may need some rest.

Have you tried massage? The stick works well.

Ive had a extra rest days on top of scheduled rest day. The twitches seem to go away with time off...but are worse the first few days back?

For years, when running competively, I would look at my calves when sitting down and notice what looked like worms traveling around under the skin. Never figured out what it was. I was well hydrated but would have liked to have had massage therapy on a regular basis. For a 5'10' 145# distance guy with 15 1/2" calves and chronic calf problems the shoes & medical help available today would've extended my running career.

Try regular massage therapy first and then, maybe, anti-seizure meds. The muscle neurons are firing uncontrollably for some reason.

benign fasciculations, I have 'em, have had them for quite a while now. They seem to flare up more after hard efforts. I don't think anyone knows a whole lot about them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benign_fasciculation_syndrome

did it lead to much fatigue? or did you just carry on as normal? thanks for all the help. Little worried but not sure if its cause to see a doc

I get those a lot too. I haven't noticed them to have any connection to hydration etc.

twitchy wrote:

did it lead to much fatigue? or did you just carry on as normal? thanks for all the help. Little worried but not sure if its cause to see a doc

midwaste nailed it. Nothing to worry about, though you can see a doc if you like. I have had this for over 15 years, and it has never caused any problems directly. The calves get more active after a long run or hard workout. I thought I got more cramps and calf injuries than the average person because of the fasciculations, but over time I've come to realize that isn't true. The cramps and injuries were caused by a lack of strength and overuse, just like anyone with 'normal' muscles. Once I established a good base, I stopped having problems...but the calves kept on twitching.

If you do see a doc, and they have never heard of this before, they may want to do a few simple tests for various neuromuscular problems like MS. Don't be alarmed. Most doctors have not seen anything like this, and often think it's symptomatic of something worse when they see your calves jumping around.

I used to do a lot of long bike rides, including an Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean ride so I've been really fit at times.

I've had calf muscle twitches for forty years. They look like subcutaneous animals running around under my skin. They always occur after a big workout. They also occur when I have done nothing but lived a normal day. Usually, I can create them by doing something as simple as resting one ankle on the other leg's knee. Sometimes, I see them and think of aliens inhabiting my body. Other times, I see them as old friends living down there in my legs.

Does anyone get them in other places as well? I'm 33, have ran competitively through college and beyond. I coach high school cross country. I have twitches mainly in my calves and diaphragm, but also randomly all over. It's worse or more noticeable at rest.

ashleyrae85@gmail.com

wrote:

Does anyone get them in other places as well? I'm 33, have ran competitively through college and beyond. I coach high school cross country. I have twitches mainly in my calves and diaphragm, but also randomly all over. It's worse or more noticeable at rest.

They are called muscle spasms. You need to up your mineral intake. Add more salt to your food is a good place to start.

I've had the same issue ever since I've started running. Mine twitch after ANY hard workout no matter what (but not shorter tempo efforts). I sometimes have problems with calf cramps at the end of a hard half marathon, but I've been able to alleviate that by doing more work at hmp in training. No real issues besides that. I used to worry about it, but now it's just a part of my training with no other noticeable issues. A fun party trick really.

Sorry, death is imminent, you are not likely to last more than another 85-90 years. Make your bucket list.