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What Causes Severe Leg Cramps?

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Posted on Wed, 17 Sep 2014
Question: I get severe cramps in my legs then they stiffen straight out this very painful . This happens 1-2 times week .I can't move them at all,this lasts from 4-15 minutes each time. Been to Dr about this and they can't figure out whats wrong.My blood work has come back normal except white count was slightly elevated. I was told that this was temporary paralysis. Can you come up with any suggestions on what would be the cause of this? I am only 31 yrs old.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please send the blood report if possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting
I Dr.chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon
The Cramps are caused by hyper excitability of the nerves that stimulate the muscles. They are overwhelmingly the most common type of skeletal muscle cramps. Cramps at rest are very common, especially in older adults, but may be experienced at any age, including childhood.
Rest cramps often occur during the night. Do you have night cramps?
The cause of cramps is as following-
1. Low blood levels of either calcium or magnesium directly increase the excitability of both the nerve endings and the muscles they stimulate. This may be a predisposing factor for the spontaneous true cramps experienced by many older adults. Cramps can also occur in excessive vomiting, dehydration.
2. On drugs which causes excessive urination. Leading to low calcium, Magnesium, potassium level. Drugs given for asthma, angina and Parkinsonism also lead to cramps. Cholesterol lowering drugs like statin also cause cramps on chronic use.
3. Several vitamin deficiency states may directly or indirectly lead to muscle cramps. These include deficiencies of thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6).
Most cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. For many cramps of the feet and legs, this stretching can often be accomplished by standing up and walking around. Gently massaging the muscle will often help it to relax, as will applying warmth from a heating pad or hot soak. If the cramp is associated with fluid loss, as is often the case with vigorous physical activity, fluid and electrolyte (especially sodium and potassium) replacement is essential. Certain drugs like baclofen are helpful.
Hope this suffices. If you have further query I shall be glad to answer.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mukesh Chugh

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :1997

Answered : 1619 Questions

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What Causes Severe Leg Cramps?

Brief Answer: Please send the blood report if possible Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for posting I Dr.chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon The Cramps are caused by hyper excitability of the nerves that stimulate the muscles. They are overwhelmingly the most common type of skeletal muscle cramps. Cramps at rest are very common, especially in older adults, but may be experienced at any age, including childhood. Rest cramps often occur during the night. Do you have night cramps? The cause of cramps is as following- 1. Low blood levels of either calcium or magnesium directly increase the excitability of both the nerve endings and the muscles they stimulate. This may be a predisposing factor for the spontaneous true cramps experienced by many older adults. Cramps can also occur in excessive vomiting, dehydration. 2. On drugs which causes excessive urination. Leading to low calcium, Magnesium, potassium level. Drugs given for asthma, angina and Parkinsonism also lead to cramps. Cholesterol lowering drugs like statin also cause cramps on chronic use. 3. Several vitamin deficiency states may directly or indirectly lead to muscle cramps. These include deficiencies of thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6). Most cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. For many cramps of the feet and legs, this stretching can often be accomplished by standing up and walking around. Gently massaging the muscle will often help it to relax, as will applying warmth from a heating pad or hot soak. If the cramp is associated with fluid loss, as is often the case with vigorous physical activity, fluid and electrolyte (especially sodium and potassium) replacement is essential. Certain drugs like baclofen are helpful. Hope this suffices. If you have further query I shall be glad to answer. Take care