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Chiropractors/calf pain at rest
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Question
Hello. I am a 29-year-old woman who has been experiencing calf pain/aching at rest only in my left calf. It started about 6 months ago, for no particular reason, and I'm not athletic and only do mild exercise (walking only). The pain is mild--about a 1 on a 1 to 10 scale, and it comes and goes and is occasional (it just last a few seconds when it comes on) but this has been going on for 6 months now. The pain is on the back and inner side of my left calf only.
Sometimes my calf is tender as well in places. Sometimes I feel the calf muscle spasm at times and it feels very tight a lot. I went to a cardiologist b/c I was concerned that maybe it was a blood clot but he didn't think so.
I am 5'5'' and 115 pounds. Low cholesterol and normal bloodwork.
I really don't know what to make of this since the pain is only at rest and there was no trauma. I'm concerned it's something horrible.
Thanks.
Dear Kim,
I would not be too worried about this problem, minor muscular twitches, spasms etc...are often experienced that are not significant. With your age, weight, and blood work, I wouldn't be concerned about any vascular issues either. The only thing that may pre-dispose you to blood clots would be if you are taking oral contraceptives or utilizing an intra-uterine form of hormonal contraceptives. Otherwise, you do not fit the profile at all!
Some possibilities to think about: electrolyte imbalance, if you are not getting enough sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, this can actually cause cramping symptoms and muscle twitching. Diet: some vitamin deficiencies can cause very subtle symptoms such as muscular complaints or pain, make sure that you diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetable and lean meats, stay away from diet drinks which actually contain neurotoxins...they can affect motor pathways in the body. Lastly, this could easily be explained due to poor muscle conditioning and function. Active stretching protocols, increased exercise and massage therapy can help to increase blood flow to the musculature which will increase the nutritional distribution and help to pull any cellular debris out of the cells.
If the problem continues, or if it gets worse, you can always get an ultrasound or MRI of the calf muscle to rule out any possible tumor formation, but again this is a remote possibility.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
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