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What Causes Muscle Pain In The Shin?

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Posted on Mon, 25 Sep 2017
Question: Always happens at night. Sudden severe pain in muscles in the area of the shin, almost always just one leg, but has happened both. Shin muscles, mostly the two big ones, become hard as a rock. I mean hard. Sometimes associated with pointing the toes straight down. Otherwise no precipitating cause. Cannot rub it out, just hurts more. Can get up and "walk" which means holding onto things, that leg (left tonight) can hardly bear weight. The muscles in the foot are also usually cramped hard as a rock. After 5 minutes tonight the cramping does away. Almost always does not happen again the same night. Happens about once a month, if awaken and keep toes from point down which is always what sets it off. Has happened on and off 10 years. There would be no way someone could sleep through. Some residual pain for rest of night in the top of the foot.
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Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Could be due to electrolyte imbalance or Vitamin D deficiency

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. I understand that you are already on treatment and that it does not seem to help. You could have developed an electrolyte imbalance. I would insist you to take juicy fruits like citrus fruits. They contain plenty of potassium which should help in proper functioning of the muscles and in reduction of the cramps. You also need to increase total fluid (water) intake and to take plenty of ORS (oral rehydration solution) to replenish the lost fluids and salts.

Additionally I would insist you to get your blood vitamin D level checked. Low vitamin D levels could precipitate such a presentation.

You may also benefit from taking Vitamin E supplements.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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What Causes Muscle Pain In The Shin?

Brief Answer: Could be due to electrolyte imbalance or Vitamin D deficiency Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. I understand that you are already on treatment and that it does not seem to help. You could have developed an electrolyte imbalance. I would insist you to take juicy fruits like citrus fruits. They contain plenty of potassium which should help in proper functioning of the muscles and in reduction of the cramps. You also need to increase total fluid (water) intake and to take plenty of ORS (oral rehydration solution) to replenish the lost fluids and salts. Additionally I would insist you to get your blood vitamin D level checked. Low vitamin D levels could precipitate such a presentation. You may also benefit from taking Vitamin E supplements. Let me know if I could help further. Regards