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What Causes Unusual Night Leg Cramps?
Question: I am nearly recovered from some pretty bad gastritis/peptic ulcers, except: I frequently feel absolutely drained of energy, as if I could fall asleep on my feet. When I'm up, my entire legs feel achy and sore, relieved by putting them up flat for a while; at night they cramp in little bursts all up and down, like weird electic impulses. Applying moist heat helps enough that I can get to sleep, but it will sometimes wake me again. It is not the same as RLS symptoms I'm accustomed to. The fatigue and aches in my legs seem to go hand in hand.
I currently take: omeprazole, ferrous sulfate, vitamins D and B12, and magnesium. Is this possibly a nerve problem, caused by the abdominal pain and pressure I experienced? At times I feel fine and healthy, then I just 'run out of steam' for a couple of days.
I currently take: omeprazole, ferrous sulfate, vitamins D and B12, and magnesium. Is this possibly a nerve problem, caused by the abdominal pain and pressure I experienced? At times I feel fine and healthy, then I just 'run out of steam' for a couple of days.
Brief Answer:
Likely RLS exacerbation. need management
Detailed Answer:
Most of the time, night leg cramps occur for no known reason, and they're usually harmless. In general, night leg cramps are likely to be related to muscle fatigue and nerve problems.
Thankyou for asking
I read your question and I understand your concern. With you having a history of RLS these leg cramps are likely attributed to that.
Apart from that The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age.
In rare situations, night leg cramps can be associated with an underlying disorder, such as peripheral artery disease — in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs — diabetes or spinal stenosis.
Some drugs, particularly intravenous iron, estrogens and naproxen, have been linked to night leg cramps.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is sometimes confused with night leg cramps, but it's a separate condition. In general, pain is not a main feature of RLS, but RLS could be the cause of night leg cramps.
Some other possibilities of muscle cramps are
-Poor blood circulation in the legs
-Overexertion of the calf muscles while exercising
-Insufficient stretching before exercise
-Exercising in the heat
-Muscle fatigue
-Dehydration
-Magnesium and/or potassium deficiency
-Calcium deficiency in pregnant women
-Malfunctioning nerves, which could be caused by a problem such as a spinal cord injury or pinched nerve in the neck or back.
stretch your legs before you climb under the covers. Wear shoes with proper support. Untuck the covers at the foot of your bed. And drink plenty of fluids during the day. Take some low dosage chloroquine.
Physical modalities before bedtime, such as a hot or cold bath, whirlpool bath, limb massage, and vibratory or electrical stimulation of the feet and toes also help preventing these cramps.
Continue your RLS treatment and hope for the best.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.
Regards XXXXXXX
Likely RLS exacerbation. need management
Detailed Answer:
Most of the time, night leg cramps occur for no known reason, and they're usually harmless. In general, night leg cramps are likely to be related to muscle fatigue and nerve problems.
Thankyou for asking
I read your question and I understand your concern. With you having a history of RLS these leg cramps are likely attributed to that.
Apart from that The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age.
In rare situations, night leg cramps can be associated with an underlying disorder, such as peripheral artery disease — in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs — diabetes or spinal stenosis.
Some drugs, particularly intravenous iron, estrogens and naproxen, have been linked to night leg cramps.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is sometimes confused with night leg cramps, but it's a separate condition. In general, pain is not a main feature of RLS, but RLS could be the cause of night leg cramps.
Some other possibilities of muscle cramps are
-Poor blood circulation in the legs
-Overexertion of the calf muscles while exercising
-Insufficient stretching before exercise
-Exercising in the heat
-Muscle fatigue
-Dehydration
-Magnesium and/or potassium deficiency
-Calcium deficiency in pregnant women
-Malfunctioning nerves, which could be caused by a problem such as a spinal cord injury or pinched nerve in the neck or back.
stretch your legs before you climb under the covers. Wear shoes with proper support. Untuck the covers at the foot of your bed. And drink plenty of fluids during the day. Take some low dosage chloroquine.
Physical modalities before bedtime, such as a hot or cold bath, whirlpool bath, limb massage, and vibratory or electrical stimulation of the feet and toes also help preventing these cramps.
Continue your RLS treatment and hope for the best.
I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.
Regards XXXXXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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