The Orthostatic Tremor Forum (archive)

Hi all

Hope you are all doing well. I was just wondering if anyone has noticed pain or strain particularly in their calf muscles. I have recently noticed that my calf muscles feel very tight and yesterday I had a nasty accident where I slipped whilst walking up the stairs. I heard a very loud crack with a lot of pain and have now torn that calf muscle so am unable to walk without a lot of pain. Over the past few weeks I have had to stand for quite long periods of time and was wondering if this may have caused the seizing up of the calf muscles. Am hoping my muscle will heal soon as I am getting married in 3 weeks and thought I only had to contest with standing don't think I can cope with the idea of hobbling up the aisle too! My fiance will wonder what an earth he is marrying!!
A frustrated Linzi

Hi Linzi
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding but so sorry to hear of your problems. I really hope the pain will decrease soon and you can enjoy your wedding. I understand how frustrating it can be for you. I do get calf pain too especially when I have to try and do a lot of standing. My calf muscles get very rigid and get extremely sore. I expect it is something that a lot of people with this problem experience. Take care of yourself and I hope that you feel a bit better soon.
Chris

Hi Chris thanks for your message. Interesting to know that it seems to be a side effect of the OT condition I've only really noticed it over the last 6 months or so. Would probably be a good idea to do a warm up as if I about to do a run when I know I may have to stand for a while.
All the best

Linzi

Hi Linzi
Congratulations on your marriage and best wishes for your wedding.

I agree with Chris that the pain and stiffness in the calf muscles and across the shin bones after standing for a while can be severe. If I am required to stand for a a long time it may take days to recover. Also my lower back then becomes stiff with standing and trying to maintain balance and control the shaking. The muscles in the lower leg can become very tender to touch and kneeling can be quiet painful because the front of the lower leg hurts.

I also think that the muscles above and around the knees can be adversely affected as they tend to lock to try and stay upright and counteract the tremor.

Hope your calf muscle recovers soon

Blossom

Hi Blossom
Thanks for your message
Thankfully I am on the mend although I have some very impressive bruises to show for it!
Have noticed the lower back, shin and calf pain after standing which I feel increases the tremor considerably. Noticed this today as I was trying to carry a tray containing 2 hot drinks and could not walk over the threshold from the house to the garden, I was frozen and knew that I would have shaken the drinks everywhere if I continued to walk. So frustrating!! Still things could be worse.
Very much looking forward to the wedding and so glad I am able to walk.
Thanks for the messages of support
Linz x