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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Frequent Muscle Cramps Be Due To Low Potassium?

why do I have muscle cramps , "charlie horses" almost everyday. It is becoming more 4 to 6 times a day.? I understood that this was a sign of low potassium. My husband takes 20 Mq 2 times a day. I have been taking some of his meds. That used to take care of it now days, but not now. Why not and why is that not working?
Wed, 15 Jan 2014
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement 's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

Though Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) produces muscle cramps, its not the only cause for muscle cramps. There are numerous other conditions & causes wherein charlie horses present as a symptom.

Neurological disorders, peripheral arterial disease, Diabetes, Spinal stenosis, Dehydration, Calcium & Vitamin D deficiency, Exhaustion, Fatigue etc may also produce muscle cramps.

So, a detailed evaluation is needed to establish the exact cause of muscle cramps.

Some of the activities that might help prevent muscle cramps include -

• Drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• Stretching your leg muscles or riding a stationary bicycle for a few minutes before you go to bed
• Massaging the cramped muscle with your hands or with ice
• Walking or jiggling the leg
• Taking a hot shower or warm bath
• Also, calcium fortified foods like seafood and fish, almonds, flaxseed, oats, prunes, sesame seeds, tofu and kale can help to stave off muscle pain & spasm.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes and vinegar which blocks the body’s natural ability to absorb calcium leading to muscle aches & muscle fatigue.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Could Frequent Muscle Cramps Be Due To Low Potassium?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. Though Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) produces muscle cramps, its not the only cause for muscle cramps. There are numerous other conditions & causes wherein charlie horses present as a symptom. Neurological disorders, peripheral arterial disease, Diabetes, Spinal stenosis, Dehydration, Calcium & Vitamin D deficiency, Exhaustion, Fatigue etc may also produce muscle cramps. So, a detailed evaluation is needed to establish the exact cause of muscle cramps. Some of the activities that might help prevent muscle cramps include - • Drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration • Stretching your leg muscles or riding a stationary bicycle for a few minutes before you go to bed • Massaging the cramped muscle with your hands or with ice • Walking or jiggling the leg • Taking a hot shower or warm bath • Also, calcium fortified foods like seafood and fish, almonds, flaxseed, oats, prunes, sesame seeds, tofu and kale can help to stave off muscle pain & spasm. • Avoid acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes and vinegar which blocks the body’s natural ability to absorb calcium leading to muscle aches & muscle fatigue. Hope this information is helpful. Good day