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What Causes Severe Leg Spasms While Lying In Bed?

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Posted on Fri, 2 Dec 2016
Question: When lying in bed husband has severe leg spasms that raises his leg up bent at the knee very painful. He is 87 years old and suffers from neuropathy in his legs.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Neuropathy may be the culprit.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the conditions that may cause leg cramps, so, best treatment of the leg cramps in this case is to control the neuropathy.

Other measures to relieve leg cramps include stretching before going in bed, magnesium and multivitamins supplements use, staying well hydrated etc.

Medications that may be used to relieve leg cramps include carisoprodol, gabapentin, orphenadrine, etc.

It is necessary for your husband to get evaluated by his primary care Doctor first, because other conditions besides neuropathy (restless legs syndrome, side effects of drugs, fatigue etc.) may cause leg cramps.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)
Thank you Dr Spaho,
We have an appointment with his Primary Dr. early Dec.
Q. These leg spasm occur only or mostly when lying in bed why would that be?

see question directly above

Why these very painful leg spasms at night when lying down?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Probably due to lowering of blood pressure.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

When we lie down, there is a moderate lowering of blood pressure, that results in decreased supply of tissues with oxygen and nutrients, electrolytes etc.

Daily activities also result in fatigued muscles.

Tissues that are already suffering from a previous condition ( such muscles and nerves of the legs damaged previously by neuropathy for example ) are more susceptible to these changes.

Hope I helped you.

Please rate and close the answer if you found it helpful and if you don't have any other questions.

Kind regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (17 hours later)
Thank you Dr. Spaho, your answer to my f/u question was very helpful.
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (19 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Glad I helped you.

Kind regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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What Causes Severe Leg Spasms While Lying In Bed?

Brief Answer: Neuropathy may be the culprit. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the conditions that may cause leg cramps, so, best treatment of the leg cramps in this case is to control the neuropathy. Other measures to relieve leg cramps include stretching before going in bed, magnesium and multivitamins supplements use, staying well hydrated etc. Medications that may be used to relieve leg cramps include carisoprodol, gabapentin, orphenadrine, etc. It is necessary for your husband to get evaluated by his primary care Doctor first, because other conditions besides neuropathy (restless legs syndrome, side effects of drugs, fatigue etc.) may cause leg cramps. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.