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What Causes Severe Leg Cramps?

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Posted on Mon, 17 Oct 2016
Question: Hi, my husband has been suffering from leg cramps for at least 15years, we have tried magnesium supplements, magnesium oil rubs. My husband has started using a CPAP machine every night. I am at my last tether, please can you tell me what else I can try. I have asked all of our health professions and absolutely no help there either.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The cause need s to be found.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Since your husband's muscles cramps are going on for too long, simple conditions such muscles overuse, dehydration are excluded as possible causes.

In this case, besides magnesium supplements, other possible conditions should be considered and evaluated further in order to achieve a correct diagnosis.

These conditions include inadequate legs blood supply due to peripheral arteries atherosclerosis, nerves compression during their pathway from lumbosacral spine to legs, other electrolytes depletion besides magnesium such low potassium, calcium.

It is necessary to get evaluated by EMG, nerves conduction study and Doppler ultrasound of your legs to get a correct diagnosis.

Blood tests about potassium, calcium and vitamins B are necessary also.

In some cases the cause remains unknown, even after these examinations.

Treatment depends on the cause and includes strengthening and stretching exercises, vitamins B complex and electrolytes supplements, staying well hydrated and use of muscles relaxing drugs.

Discuss with your husband's primary care Doctor about these issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 days later)
Thank you for that I will let you know if I need more help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Feel free to discuss with us.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Glad I helped.

I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Wishing for you and your husband good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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What Causes Severe Leg Cramps?

Brief Answer: The cause need s to be found. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Since your husband's muscles cramps are going on for too long, simple conditions such muscles overuse, dehydration are excluded as possible causes. In this case, besides magnesium supplements, other possible conditions should be considered and evaluated further in order to achieve a correct diagnosis. These conditions include inadequate legs blood supply due to peripheral arteries atherosclerosis, nerves compression during their pathway from lumbosacral spine to legs, other electrolytes depletion besides magnesium such low potassium, calcium. It is necessary to get evaluated by EMG, nerves conduction study and Doppler ultrasound of your legs to get a correct diagnosis. Blood tests about potassium, calcium and vitamins B are necessary also. In some cases the cause remains unknown, even after these examinations. Treatment depends on the cause and includes strengthening and stretching exercises, vitamins B complex and electrolytes supplements, staying well hydrated and use of muscles relaxing drugs. Discuss with your husband's primary care Doctor about these issues. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.