Question
77 yr.old female.  When I lay in bed at night and straighten legs out, the skin on the instep and arch of both feet becomes very taught as though skin is being stretched. Not a problem in daytime activities.  Cannot sleep with legs straight at any time as the calf muscles lock up very tight and it carries on down to the feet. Very hard to get the spasm out. Advised to drink lots of water and I do, also to take calcium pills. Don't take as many as I used to but it does not make any difference.  Any ideas aside from that?
Otherwise health not too bad, no meds needed.  Thanks

Answer
Pat, I would consider seeing getting a referral for physical therapy from your doctor.  It sounds like you have a lot of contracture to the muscles in the lower extremities.  The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that helps stabilize the arch in your feet which can become tightened at night because it's in a relaxed position.  The hamstrings, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia are all indirectly connected.  If one of them becomes overly tight from overuse or back problems/spasm, then they can cause tightening of the entire back of the leg from the thigh to the calf and even the bottom of the foot.  Sometimes stretching at home is not enough and you need physcial therapy modalities to really provide the stretching and strengthening required to relieve the pain.

Sincerely,

Dr. Leslie Johnston, DPM

Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry

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