Calf muscle twitching, though not a very challenging phenomenon to handle, might surprise, rather shock all those who experience a twitch in their calf muscles for the very first time. You might just feel that you are suffering from some fatally irreversible health condition.
Calf muscle twitching may be a commonplace condition for those who endure the sudden discomfort that is elicited; nevertheless, what snatches concern is the frequency with which the phenomenon recurs. Muscle twitches are uncalled-for, making us flounder with free movement. You may feel that your muscles have stiffened, refusing to move. Veteran sufferers may have coaxed you to relax and move your legs, so that the calf muscles could loosen.
Causal Factors
Calf muscles can develop twitches. The most irritating, and annoying section of this sudden influx of twitching in legs is its precipitous nature.
Dehydration
One cause that is prevalent in many, who let water consumption take a backseat, is dehydration. Not drinking enough fluids, especially, water is one predominant factor in causing muscle twitching. When you do not drink water in the required, prescribed quantity, the electrolyte content in your body dips. This hampers the process of muscle contraction, and the calf muscles, therefore, develop cramps. Dehydration may occur during summers, or when you do not consume water during your exercise routines. Thus, an experience of a sudden spasm could be a lesson for all those who compromise on water consumption.
Fatigued Muscles
This is one condition that occurs when you exercise vigorously. The calf muscles experience fatigue, and their extensive employment creates a platform for the spasm to occur. They may occur while you indulge in sports, exercising, or performing any type of martial arts. It is always better to begin any form of exercise, or workout with a warm up session, where you are exposing the calf muscles to certain poses that loosen the calf muscles. Scientifically known as benign fasciculations; it is the inability of the muscles to contract properly.
Third Trimester
Calves cramping during night hours could be very disturbing, and alarming. When you lie down in a certain manner that makes you stretch your legs in a peculiar fashion; it is an indication that a spasm may occur.
Sleeping Position
The position in which you sleep can cause your calf muscles to twitch severely. If you are in the habit of sleeping on one side with your knees bent at an angle, and your toes pointing straight, or downwards, there is a high probability that you may be caught unawares by cramps.
Medication
There are certain medications meant to control high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and contraceptive pills that lead to the development of cramps.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol in excess may cause one to develop leg cramps, making one all the more susceptible to calf muscle twitches on a regular basis.
Low Potassium Levels
Research suggests that maintaining a diet adequately alimented with potassium proves helpful in eliminating leg cramps during night hours. For your muscles to function with optimum efficacy, calcium, magnesium, and potassium work as anoints to sustain conducive movements.
Problems with the Peripheral Blood Vessels
A health condition by nature, this is an ailment in which the blood vessels in the legs become narrow due to the formation of plaque in excess. Peripheral artery disease has a potential symptom of inflicting cramps and twitches in the calf muscles thus causing them to tighten while walking or exercising.
Symptoms
Twitching of muscles is marked by fulminant movements during nighttime, post workout, or while you indulge in mundane household chores.
☛ A tingling sensation that is fulminant;
☛ One may feel as though a current is being passed through the calves;
☛ You may not be able to control, or cease the vibrating, almost spasmodic movement that you experience;
☛ Sleep disturbances and consequent deprivation is also caused due to muscle twitches and cramps;
☛ You may find that your calf muscles feel numb and fatigued, often, and too soon.
Treatment
► Drink plenty of water.Stay hydrated. Make a conscious effort to consume fluids if you do not ‘remember’ to drink water.
► Sleep in a way that does not facilitate twitches. Try to sleep on your back instead of sleeping on your side.
► If you experience fatigue, don’t forget top lace a pillow, or a bunch of comforters under your feet. This will relax your feet that have been hurting you, and will also prevent calf muscles from twitching.
►Do not stretch your calf muscles while you sleep, or even while you are involved in an activity.
►Soak your feet in warm water, or drain a few mugs of warm water directly on your calves to get rid of the throbbing ache.
► Make sure that before you exercise, you conduct a warm up session. This will help you not to develop the agonizing ache in the middle of your workout or after the workout.
► If you want to have a good night’s sleep, it is advised that you lightly stretch them for a brief period before you go off to bed.
► If you do not derive any relaxation with these techniques, you may well visit your healthcare professional.
Calf muscle twitching can be bothersome, give you nightmares while you sleep, and annoy you when you are on the sports field. These treatment methods will help you seek relief.
