I had a vitamin D deficiency,
I had a vitamin D deficiency, and blood tests showed this. I also ran nearly every day wearing sleeveless shirts and no hat. I still was deficient. The article linked to below states that 93% of people who go to the emergency room (for whatever reason) are Vit D deficient. Also, due to having a tumor on my parathyroid, I was deficient in calcium and developed osteoporosis. After having a parathyroidectomy, within two to four years, I had moved into the osteopenia range; so even if we have exposure through sun light and proper diet, we can still be deficient.
If you are concerned about Vitamin D deficiency, check this out:
A lack of Vit D can cause extreme muscle fatigue as well. 200 IU per day as recommended is NOT enough, so they are now reporting. We need 2,000 - 6,000 per day. I had extreme muscle fatigue in my calves. I went to a neurologist for Morton's Neuroma--no help for MN, but she ran a bunch of tests and found I was deficient in Vit D at the same time I was having problems with my calves. I began taking 6,000 IU per day (per some research I did), and within two weeks my problems with calf tightness completely disappeared. You can take liquid Vit D, and it will work in your system much quicker.
I've referenced it here before, but here it is again. Well worth the read, especially the links I've provided below:
I too drink a ton of milk and spend countless hours outside. Even in winter, I wear short sleeves, since I get hot easy when I run. Just something to think about. Next time you're at the docs, ask for this specific test.
A low level/Vitamin D deficiency can cause extreme muscle weakness that will not resolve on its own. Be sure they ask for a blood test to check your Vit D level, specifically 25(OH)D.
For everyone to consider when dealing with issues of tight calf muscles: This advice is not such a long-shot...read on...
I had also experienced extreme muscle fatigue and tightening in my calves while running. My neurologist (treating for Morton's Neuroma) ran some blood work and found that I also had a Vitamin D deficiency. It was strange since I had been taking 1,000 IU of Vit D per night for the past half year. I did a lot of research to find out what to do about my problem. Apparently, they're finding out that the 400 IU per day the government feels is adequate isn't so, according to one article I read. The article stated that 93% of people who go to the emergency room (for whatever reason) are Vit D deficient. There may just be a hidden epidemic here. I found that doctors prescribe 50,000 IU once per week for those with Vit D deficiency. (I read on some of the Vit D discussion forums that some people experienced head aches, tremors, etc., when taking high doses of Vit D all at once.) So I decided to take 4,000, then 5,000, now 6,000 IU each night. Within 2 -3 weeks I began noticing that the weakness in my calf muscles went completely away. I don’t have that problem anymore. There's a very informative .PDF on Vit D deficiency at:
http://www.savvypatients.com/NEJM%20Vitamin%20D%20Review.pdf. Also, check out the many resources at:
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/. You can also get the liquid form of Vitamin D that works a lot quicker.