Brief Answer: Problems are due to salts/calcium deficiency Detailed Answer: Hi Mrs. XXXXXXX Thanks for your query. The commonest causes of nocturnal cramps in a hypertensive patient are:- * Blood Pressure medicines, particularly urine-forming drugs (diuretics) * Deficiency of calcium and/or Potassium in the blood * Excessive irritability of the leg muscles Pain in the hip joint and leg is apparently due to osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). Hence, I would strongly recommend the following course of action :- 1. Get your Blood Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) done. Any deficiency detected, will improve with extra supplements of the said deficiency. 2. Start taking prophylactic supplements of Calcium (at least 1000mg/day), Vitamin D3 (Calcitriol) 0.5microgram/day, Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) 1.5mg/day for strengthening of the bones, as well as, relax the leg muscles. 3. Consult your doctor and ask him if any drugs for BP are causing cramps; he will give you a substitute in case you are on an urine-forming drug. 4. A 2-weeks' course of oral Quinine (used for malaria) will abolish night cramps. By then, the blood reports would be available and- depending on the deficiency detected- daily supplements of the concerned mineral/vitamins would be prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me and order the required tests as advised. Hope I have addressed to your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal

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