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What Causes Cramps In Hands, Legs, And Feet?

Posted on Sat, 6 Sep 2014

Question: I get cramps in my hands, legs, and feet. What is causing this? Am I deficient in a vitamin or mineral? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle cramps

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

In order to answer your questions I need a few more details as many diseases cause muscle cramps

1. Do you notice cramping of muscles after work, exercise, etc or is it present through out the day?
2. Does it come and go within a short period of time? or is it present for a long time
3 Are you a vegetarian?
4. Do you consume alcohol on a daily basis?
5 . Please mention all the medications you are currently on

Please get back to me, I am awaiting your reply

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (17 hours later)

The cramps in my hands happen when I am holding something for awhile (newspaper) feet and legs happen mostly at night. They happen often but I can stretch them out (short lived).
I am not a vegetarian. I drink 5-6 times a week. I drink a 6pack of beer at a time.
I take Miralax daily and Prilosec (omeprazole) 40 mg. daily also. I have taken these for years and years. I take .112 mg thyroxine and Citalopram 40 mg daily also.
thank You.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cramps

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

From the history you have given it looks like you have calcium deficiency. I strongly recommend that you get Vit D and Calcium levels done as soon as possible. Low calicum often lead to muscle cramps. You are more prone for calcium deficiency because you are on long term omeprazole and laxatives.
Other causes for muscle cramps are Magnesium and Vit B6 deficiency.

Here is how you go about it

1. Meet your phyisican to get your electrolytes checked which must include Calcium and magnesium
2. Thyroid levels myst be checked once in 3 months atleast
2. Citalopram is not known to cause these symptoms so continue using it

Please get back to me with the results

Regards

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar