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Suggest Treatment For Severe Leg Cramps At Night

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Posted on Mon, 3 Aug 2015
Question: I am experiencing leg cramps, mostly at night. At rest, my legs seem to throb somewhat. I work out on an elliptical about an hour a day and I walk. I try to hydrate, and have taken additional magnesium supplements. Should I be concerned?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Are you on any medications?

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

I am so sorry to hear about this leg cramps that you have reported. Though they seem not to suggest any concerning disease condition from your reported daily activities, I will like to know if you are on any medications. Also, have you ever had your blood calcium levels checked? This is because low calcium can cause cramps. Magnesium deficiency is not common and taking supplements for this without formal testing may not be advised. Remember magnesium behaves like calcium and excess levels are not encouraged.

In all, your symptoms alone are not too concerning and there are no reasons for you to be so concerned at this time. However, I will like to know if you are on any other drugs that can cause cramps and whether you have ever had your blood calcium levels checked.

I hope to hear from you before giving a final thought on your worries and helpful recommendations to deal with this.
Until next, I wish you well.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (17 hours later)
Thank you Dr. Ditah,

I have NOT checked my calcium levels but will do so soon. I take Celebrex for arthritis and daily vitamins. I made the inquiry to you because I've never had such frequent cramping. Nearing 60 years old, I'm stepping up my fitness regime and will include yoga (yikes!) to enhance my flexibility and muscle resilience. The cardio I do is rigorous and I think I hydrate properly--perhaps not? Thanks for your comments. I'll do whatever you suggest to manage this. By the way--I've had a knee replaced with the prognosis for a second replacement (different knee) forthcoming (active childhood on the gridiron and a 32 year military career).
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Happy to hear you are staying active!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this detailed information.

I am happy to know you are maintaining a pretty good level of physical fitness. It is a very nice way to keep healthy. What happened to your knees that you would need to have both replaced?

Celebrex will not cause cramps. I believe the change in your exercise regime and the intensity may be making these cramps noticeable. However, I will recommend you continue and get well hydrated. Drink as much water as possible and also control the calcium levels. Keep me updated when you get the calcium levels checked.

Until then, I wish you well.
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. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Leg Cramps At Night

Brief Answer: Are you on any medications? Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this leg cramps that you have reported. Though they seem not to suggest any concerning disease condition from your reported daily activities, I will like to know if you are on any medications. Also, have you ever had your blood calcium levels checked? This is because low calcium can cause cramps. Magnesium deficiency is not common and taking supplements for this without formal testing may not be advised. Remember magnesium behaves like calcium and excess levels are not encouraged. In all, your symptoms alone are not too concerning and there are no reasons for you to be so concerned at this time. However, I will like to know if you are on any other drugs that can cause cramps and whether you have ever had your blood calcium levels checked. I hope to hear from you before giving a final thought on your worries and helpful recommendations to deal with this. Until next, I wish you well.