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What Causes Severe Leg Cramps At Night?

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Posted on Mon, 28 Dec 2015
Question: I WAKE UP SOME NIGHTS WITH BAD LEG CRAMPS-USUALLY IN CALF AREA-NOT EVERY NIGHT AFTER WALKING AROUND FOR 10 MINUTES THEY GO AWAY AND I CAAN GO BACK TO SLEEP
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Answered by Dr. Muhammad Hanif (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It can be managed by yourself. If not, consult your Physician!

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for consulting me at virtual clinic. Your trust in HCM means a lot to me as a Physician.
I have completely reviewed your health query, and can well realize all those concerns. Being your physician, I will take care all of them today and will give extend my expertise to solve the problems.

Muscle spasms in calf (Charlie Horses) are actually contractions of the specific group of muscles without our own will (involuntary). It is very common issue and has many reasons for:-
*Problems of blood circulation in the peripheral areas of the body especially the legs.
*Workload on the legs due to more walking, running or standing for longer hours during the day. Muscles get fatigued this way. Also accumulation of Lactic acid metabolite aggravates the issue.
*Dehydration and hot and humid weather increases the issue.
*Many medications also cause Charley horses. Are you taking any medications like Water pills for high blood pressure or some lung issues like shortness of breath? Ask your Physician to review your medications. Don't stop taking any drug before asking your treating physician.
*Serum electrolytes play important role for normal functioning of muscles. Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium and Zinc are very important to remain in normal limits.
*Nerves in the spinal cord that supply legs, if pinched due to some issues of spinal cord, may cause cramping in legs.

Management:-
It is important to get yourself checked and evaluated by your Physician. He will do Physical examination and will go for some tests to diagnose the cause that may include but not limited to blood tests.
At night when you get these cramps now, just remain lying in supine position (face up) in bed, outstretch your legs straight and pull your feet towards your head. Apply Ice or heat pad according to your ease. Yes, walking also gets it relieved.
Before going to bed for sleep, make it a habit to take a bath with lukewarm water and Epsom salt. It will help you a lot.
Take a multivitamin daily after breakfast (having micronutrients too in it).
Take more fluids and water. Fruit juices freshly made at home are best for you. Yogurt, skimmed milk, eggs, nuts and seafood is good for you.
Remain physically active. If you try exercises, don't overexert and always follow the instructions of a gym instructor.

Hope I answered all of your queries. Let me know if you have further clinical concerns or doubts. I will be more than happy to get back to you with my expert opinion. Please don't forget to give Five Star rating to help me assist patients in a better way; and, please don't forget to 'Close This Discussion'.
For any disease you have, a timely follow-up is very necessary regarding the treatment efficacy and to see if there is a need to change the treatment options. So keep a follow up to see how you doing (Always write down my name in start of your questions at this forum & I will be with you in no time).


Regards!
DR. HANIF
USA
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammad Hanif

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 2369 Questions

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What Causes Severe Leg Cramps At Night?

Brief Answer: It can be managed by yourself. If not, consult your Physician! Detailed Answer: Thanks for consulting me at virtual clinic. Your trust in HCM means a lot to me as a Physician. I have completely reviewed your health query, and can well realize all those concerns. Being your physician, I will take care all of them today and will give extend my expertise to solve the problems. Muscle spasms in calf (Charlie Horses) are actually contractions of the specific group of muscles without our own will (involuntary). It is very common issue and has many reasons for:- *Problems of blood circulation in the peripheral areas of the body especially the legs. *Workload on the legs due to more walking, running or standing for longer hours during the day. Muscles get fatigued this way. Also accumulation of Lactic acid metabolite aggravates the issue. *Dehydration and hot and humid weather increases the issue. *Many medications also cause Charley horses. Are you taking any medications like Water pills for high blood pressure or some lung issues like shortness of breath? Ask your Physician to review your medications. Don't stop taking any drug before asking your treating physician. *Serum electrolytes play important role for normal functioning of muscles. Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium and Zinc are very important to remain in normal limits. *Nerves in the spinal cord that supply legs, if pinched due to some issues of spinal cord, may cause cramping in legs. Management:- It is important to get yourself checked and evaluated by your Physician. He will do Physical examination and will go for some tests to diagnose the cause that may include but not limited to blood tests. At night when you get these cramps now, just remain lying in supine position (face up) in bed, outstretch your legs straight and pull your feet towards your head. Apply Ice or heat pad according to your ease. Yes, walking also gets it relieved. Before going to bed for sleep, make it a habit to take a bath with lukewarm water and Epsom salt. It will help you a lot. Take a multivitamin daily after breakfast (having micronutrients too in it). Take more fluids and water. Fruit juices freshly made at home are best for you. Yogurt, skimmed milk, eggs, nuts and seafood is good for you. Remain physically active. If you try exercises, don't overexert and always follow the instructions of a gym instructor. Hope I answered all of your queries. Let me know if you have further clinical concerns or doubts. I will be more than happy to get back to you with my expert opinion. Please don't forget to give Five Star rating to help me assist patients in a better way; and, please don't forget to 'Close This Discussion'. For any disease you have, a timely follow-up is very necessary regarding the treatment efficacy and to see if there is a need to change the treatment options. So keep a follow up to see how you doing (Always write down my name in start of your questions at this forum & I will be with you in no time). Regards! DR. HANIF USA