Q:

Hello,
After going on a hike, and later doing some jumping jacks and stretches, I woke up next morning with my calf feeling like a painful wooden peg. It's incredibly stiff and painful to touch. Is this something that can be fixed by ice (or heat?), massage and stretching, or should I see a doc? Should I stay off of it?

I have another question about my boyfriend. He doesn't have health insurance and hasn't seen a doctor for some time, but has had a splotchy light pink/orange discoloration on his skin, mainly on his back and arms. It doesn't bother him. From web symptom searches and pictures, it looks like a drug allergy. What do you think?

 

A:

Yes, your calf should be evaluated because of the risk of blood clots, bleeding leading to compartment syndrome although it is most likely a gastrocnemius strain.

Your boyfriend may have tinea versicolor or pityriasis rosea. If it is a drug allergy, it is usually all over, itchy and progressing.

~The Doc