Gastroc contraction

[Eva S]

Hi folks,
I have a client whom I've seen every week for almost two years. To give you a little information: he's fifty six years old, average weight, no sports at this point, however he was a runner up until 2004. Now he tries to ride a bike a couple times a week and otherwise stay active. He puts in long hours at a high-stress job, and is often going up and down flights of stairs and walking on concrete floors throughout the day.
I can't figure out what's going on with his right gastrocnemius. It seems to be always on the verge of cramping. I can clearly see it fluttering constantly, and it's done so since I've known him. None of his other muscles acts this way. He can feel it, although there's no pain involved until it cramps up. If I apply very light pressure, it usually won't contract (but sometimes does); using anything deeper than that will trigger a contraction more often than not. It can also happen when I'm nowhere near the area. It's usually not a concern for him, but off and on it presents a problem, occuring when he's in bed, while driving, walking, or while sitting, for example. It's pretty easy to get rid of the contraction by flexing the foot for a short time.
He tells me that he gets regular check-ups and has a clean bill of health; no abnormal blood chemistry levels, dehydration, etc., and no history of injuries to the area. Apparently his M.D. isn't sure why it's that way, but doesn't feel it's a cause for concern.
During our session I see that he stays warm, his feet are unconstrained by heavy blankets, and bolsters are always used under ankles and knees.
This condition is not debilitating for him. However, I'd at least like to know why it's occuring, if there's anything that can be done about it, and if nothing else, how to deal with this area (if possible) during our session. I'd hate to have to bypass the right leg altogether, but I'm pretty much at an impass at this point.
If anyone's dealt with this type of thing before, I'd love to hear from you. Any information will be greatly appreciated. This is my first post on this site, and I'm so glad to find a place that lets me benefit from the knowledge and experience of so many- thanks very much for any input-

 

[Rose S]

I get cramps in both of my calves (gastroc-). Since it tends to happen in the morning, just as I'm beginning to wake up, I've always figured it was related to morning dehydration. Since you asked the question, I did a bit of Googling:

http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/2002/02_02/pn_legcramps.htm
http://science.howstuffworks.com/question223.htm
http://www.orthomed.com/vite.htm (This is interesting, since I have other signs of Vitamin E deficiency. Hmmmm....)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/night-leg-cramps/AN00499

I think I'm personally going to try:
1- More stretching
2- Vitamin E and B supplements
3- More Potassium and Magnesium (I get plenty of Calcium)

The fact that my cramping tends to come in waves (It won't happen for years, then I have the problem over the course of a few months), indicates to me that there may be a nutritional aspect to it. I just need to figure out what it is.

 

[Cecillia]

I was an athlete for 13 years and had to deal with cramps all the time. Towards the end of my career I had a trainer that asked about diet. Being a collage student at the time I have a really bad diet. His solution: Multi vitamin and bananas.

Daily Multi-Vitamin - make it a good one, some don’t dissolve in the body quick enough. I have recently done some tests on the Costco multis and it faired pretty good.

Caoimhan was right also, deficiencies in Potassium, E and B will causes muscle problems (most often cramping). The multi will take care of the E and B, but a banana a day will take care of the extra Potassium you might need. Another supplement you might suggest is Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3 fatty acids), they are great for the body. As soon as I started taking them my body seemed to recover from hard work much better.

Another thing that really helped me was stretching. Try some PIR. When I stretch the calf area I have my clients place their arch just medial of my shoulder, then planter flex the foot, have them meet your resistance. Make sure they do not “push you over.” When they release the planter flexion the posterior leg will stretch out as you continue your pressure and take them into dorsi flexion. Some of my clients have cramped from the resisted pressure, so start out with a very small amount of pressure from you and the client.

 

[Jessica P]

I have a client off and on that is dealing with something simular, I just see these random spasms, before, during and after I work on the area. I know with my client it is because he is on his feet throughout the day (wall st. broker) and he works out his glutes way too much. His glutes are in such bad spasm that I don't know how he manages a workout, but does it for vanity purposes. Anyway, I don't see this client enough to really see a difference in the spasming, because it is so random when he comes in. I would check for trigger points that are referring down the leg.

I would definitely recommend that he sees a sports medicine doc as well as a podiatrist to make sure that he is wearing the proper shoes and sneakers throughout his day.

He definitely needs to look at his diet, to see if that is the cause, increase his water intake and stretch everyday throughout the day.

 

[vwvw30]

Pandora,

The fact that your client works his glutes for vanity purposes raises a warning flag in my mind that he may be neglecting the opposing muscle groups and the stabilizing muscles. The hip is designed to have a pretty broad range of movement (as a ball/socket joint). He should make sure to do reps on any muscles that flex his hip, in all directions.

Tell him that "tone" comes not just from building one muscle, but every muscle in the region, in a balanced fashion.

 

[Mirah]

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone- I'll doublecheck with my guy to make sure his blood chemistry is normal. I'll also check for trigger points, and suggest stretching throughout the day to see if that alleviates any of the cramping.
The cause of a muscle cramp is pretty basic stuff; we all know about that. If this were nighttime cramping, or something brought on by exercise, it would be pretty straightforward. But to go for years with the constant 'fluttering' of just the right gastroc, that I don't get.
I appreciate all the great ideas you've given me, and also for the links; very interesting sites- thanks again- Tracy