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What Do Recurrent Cramps In Hands, Feet And Thighs Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015
Question: Hi. I have cramps in my hands, feet, legs, and thighs, for hours at a time, that are 95% relieved by 1200 mg calcium plus 250 mg magnesium (in magnesium oxide). I am lactose intolerant, and can't tolerate much in the way of milk products. Do I need workup? I eat plenty of salads and vegetables. Why would I need to take magnesium?
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Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I will say get your blood electrolytes evaluated!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about these cramps. Because you cannot tolerate milk products, most likely you are not receiving enough calcium in your food. This may cause low blood calcium levels and explain the reason why you have cramps. Calcium and magnesium deficiency will often go together. Fruits and salads are poor in calcium and I will not necessarily rely on them for anything meaningful in terms of calcium and magnesium intake.

With the supplements relieving your symptoms, this is of great value in eliciting the diagnosis of calcium deficiency. I will recommend that you get your blood calcium levels checked. Depending on the results, we will establish a treatment plan to address this accordingly.

Keep me updated with the report of your results. Together, we will work on it. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What Do Recurrent Cramps In Hands, Feet And Thighs Indicate?

Brief Answer: I will say get your blood electrolytes evaluated! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about these cramps. Because you cannot tolerate milk products, most likely you are not receiving enough calcium in your food. This may cause low blood calcium levels and explain the reason why you have cramps. Calcium and magnesium deficiency will often go together. Fruits and salads are poor in calcium and I will not necessarily rely on them for anything meaningful in terms of calcium and magnesium intake. With the supplements relieving your symptoms, this is of great value in eliciting the diagnosis of calcium deficiency. I will recommend that you get your blood calcium levels checked. Depending on the results, we will establish a treatment plan to address this accordingly. Keep me updated with the report of your results. Together, we will work on it. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.