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What Causes Sudden Cramping In Left Calf, Shortness Of Breath And Chest Pain?

Posted on Fri, 16 Sep 2016

Question: While sitting at my desk this morning I twisted my chair and felt a sudden cramp in my left calf just below the knee. If I bent my leg back towards my thigh it would happen again. When it wasn't cramping it felt like if I moved a certain way it would cramp again so I put my knee band (ace bandage type) around that knee and it felt like it was supporting the muscle and felt better. I walked around of an on today without any other cramping but now my leg is swollen. There is no redness. I took the band off and laid on my bed and let my leg rest but after an hour it is still swollen and there is a little tingling. I have no shortness of breath or pain in my chest now, however last night night I had some pain briefly around my midsection similar to a cramp. It only lasted a few minutes so I thought it might be gas. I haven't had that pain again. I'm now able to walk around without the band on (including up and downstairs) as long as I don't bring my leg back towards my rear. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you need to get ECG for chest pain

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I think you have two different problems not related to each other.
1.Leg cramp- such cramps are common due to lack of salt and calcium in body. I would suggest you to take one glass of water with one tea spoon full of salt whenever such cramps happen. Also gentle rubbing of that part and hot water fomentation is helpful. Take 1000 mg calcium daily and 60000 unit vitamin D per week for six weeks.It will improve your muscle strength and you will never ave such cramps again.
2.For chest pain, you should get ECG to make sure that it is not related to heart.It is simple non invasive test. If their is normal ECG and your blood pressure is normal then it is a gastric related pain. If there is any change in ECG then you need to visit a cardiologist.
I hope this answer will be useful for you.Let me know if their is any other followup questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 hours later)

Thanks for the response, however, I am NOT having any chest pain. If I bend my leg back it is tender and feels like it could cramp. Even though I've slept a few hours, my leg is still swollen.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
swelling will go in a week

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You do not need to be worried about swelling.It will take one week to go. It is body's response to prevent movement and increase healing in that part. Also hot water fomentation is helpful.
thanks

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D