Lower Leg Muscle Crumps

Diagnosis/Definition

• Cramps, painful involuntary muscle contractions, occur commonly in the gastrocnemius and may be prevented by proper warm up and stretching. They often can be interrupted by forceful stretching of the involved muscle or by activation of the antagonistic muscle.

Initial Diagnosis and management

• History and physical examination.
• Plain films if necessary
• Encourage active range of motion.
• Appropriate restrictions of activity.

Ongoing Management and Objective

• Rest is individualized depending upon severity
• Immobilization is contraindicated in minor injuries however crutches should be used if ambulation is painful.
• A significant gastrocnemius tear is sometimes treated with long leg cast immobilization with the knee flexed at 60 degrees and the ankle in neutral for 3 weeks. This is followed by another 3 weeks with a boot cast and the ankle plantarflexed 10 degrees. Compete tears may require surgical repair.
• Ice for 10 to 15 mins with hourly reapplication.
• Elevate leg frequently with compressive wraps.
• Slow and sustained active stretches

Indication a profile is needed

• Any limitations that affect strength, range of movement, and efficiency of feet, legs, lower back and pelvic girdle.
• Slightly limited mobility of joints, muscular weakness, or other musculo-skeletal defects that may prevent moderate marching, climbing, timed walking, or prolonged effect.
• Defects or impairments that require significant restriction of use.