What causes a painful muscle spasm in the calve muscle?

Question

Once in a blue moon I wake up in the middle of the night with a really painful muscle spasm in one of my calves. It lasts for about 2 minutes. I heard that it could be because of a lack of calcium intake...which can't be true because I drink a glass of milk almost every day..Is there any way to stop them when I get them?

Answer 1

This type of cramp is referred to as a "charlie horse " Sometimes this can just  happen for no reason, or sometimes this can be caused from a lack of potassium...eat some bananas

Answer 2

Is it not just cramps in your calf muscle? Try eating more salt.

Answer 3

ok soo if ur having really painful muscle spasms that means you might be experiancing charlie horses...yeaa ikk they hurt like h**l! =]...so try this...ok it is gonna taste a little gross but put salt on a banana and eat it...the nutrians in the banana and the salt will help stop it!...i hope this helps!

Answer 4

another thing you can try is stretching your calves before you lay down  lean toward a wall and push your heels to the floor

any phys-ed instructor can help you with this

i know how you feel i get them from pushing the clutch on my 18 wheeler  not as much any more though since i stretch them now

calcium is for your bones and joints i though