Muscle spasms occur when the muscles involuntarily contract. They can be painful and tend to come on without warning. When this happens in the calf muscle, it can make it difficult to walk and carry on with activities until the spasm subsides. It is important to have the cause of muscle spasms in the calf properly diagnosed to rule out serious underlying medical conditions.
Overuse
A muscle spasm in the calf may also be called a charley horse. They can be a common occurrence if the calf muscle is overused and becomes fatigued. According to the National Institutes of Health, they can happen during sports that require running, kicking, starting and stopping and jumping. When a calf spasm occurs, stop whatever activity is being performed and gently stretch and massage the calf muscle. After the spasm stops, it is important to train correctly to avoid over-fatiguing the muscle again. Calf muscle spasms due to overuse and fatigue are more common in older individuals and those who are deconditioned.
Heat and Dehydration
Overexercising without drinking enough water or being exposed to high heat and humidity can dehydrate the body. Sweat depletes the body of water and electrolytes. Inadequate amounts of water and electrolytes inhibit the muscle from contracting properly, which can contribute to spasms, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. It is important to adjust workout schedules in hot and humid weather and to drink water before feeling thirsty. By the time thirst occurs, the body is beginning to become dehydrated.
Medications and Hormone Imbalances
Calf muscle spasms that occur during the day or at nighttime can also be a side effect of some medications. This includes diuretics and other blood pressure medications and contraceptives. In addition, the Mayo Clinic says that diseases that cause hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid conditions and diabetes, may also cause cramps in the calves. Dietary insufficiencies and alcoholism are other possible causes.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a cardiovascular condition that occurs when the blood vessels in the legs become narrowed by plaque buildup or blockages. According to the Texas Heart Institute, PAD may cause cramping in the lower leg, especially when walking and exercising. The cramping tends to resolve with rest. Calf muscle spasms may or may not be accompanied by the affected leg and foot feeling cold, pain that radiates into the hips or buttocks and a bluish coloring to the skin.
Neurological Conditions
Any medical condition that interrupts the nerve signals traveling from the brain to the legs can contribute to calf muscle cramping or spasms. This includes nerve compression from a herniated disk or chronic conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.
