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What Causes Spasms In Legs And Feet At Night?

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Posted on Tue, 6 Jan 2015
Question: i have spasms in my legs and feet mostly at night. they seem to follow nerves rather than muscles. my feet and legs cramp up and i can hardly move. they started in my feet and toes and loweer legs. now they go up to my low back occasionally. they are very painful. what could this be and why.
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Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possible spinal stenosis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Going through the history, specifically moving from feet upto low back, suggest a significant possibility of spinal stenosis or vertebral compression over nerves in the lumbar region. An X-ray is necessary for confirmation. Lumbar support maybe necessary.

2. Along with the investigation, additionally, you need to be well hydrated during daytime. Also take potassium and calcium supplements. Deficiency of either of them, specifically potassium is known to cause muscle spasm.

3. Do let me know:
a. Any weight gain or weight loss.
b. Walking - does it cause cramps.
c. Any medications
d. Any chronic diseases?
e. Are you obese?

Stretching before going to bed is known to be helpful. Do get back with answers to questions I asked. It appears to be a vertebral compression and an X-ray is necessary. Other causes will need to be evaluated, if X-ray comes out normal.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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What Causes Spasms In Legs And Feet At Night?

Brief Answer: Possible spinal stenosis. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows: 1. Going through the history, specifically moving from feet upto low back, suggest a significant possibility of spinal stenosis or vertebral compression over nerves in the lumbar region. An X-ray is necessary for confirmation. Lumbar support maybe necessary. 2. Along with the investigation, additionally, you need to be well hydrated during daytime. Also take potassium and calcium supplements. Deficiency of either of them, specifically potassium is known to cause muscle spasm. 3. Do let me know: a. Any weight gain or weight loss. b. Walking - does it cause cramps. c. Any medications d. Any chronic diseases? e. Are you obese? Stretching before going to bed is known to be helpful. Do get back with answers to questions I asked. It appears to be a vertebral compression and an X-ray is necessary. Other causes will need to be evaluated, if X-ray comes out normal. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again. Dr. Prakash HM