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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Cramps In The Hands & Legs?

Painful cramps in both hands and fingers, to the point I can t grasp anything . Cramps in my legs and feet occur mostly at night, and there are times at night when my whole body will spasms like I have been shocked with electric. What is wrong with me?
Mon, 6 Oct 2014
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Dietitian & Nutritionist 's  Response
Muscle cramps especially in legs and hands occur due to various reasons:

1. Poor blood circulation due to immobility/lack of adequate physical activity/confinement to bed. Reduced oxygen supply due to inadequate blood flow to muscles of legs and hands lead to cramps.

2. Smoking or caffeine in tea, coffee or cola drinks also affect blood circulation.

3. Loss of potassium from body or inadequate intake of potassium rich foods.

4. Lack of calcium, magnesium, sodium/potassium, chloride salts in the body

5. Inadequate fluid intake which may cause dehydration.

Kindly mention your age, are you having any health issues like BP/circulation problems? are you on any medications as some medications can cause cramps as a side effect.
Also cramps occur after intense physical activity/exercise due to accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. In such a case, cramps usually subside after a period of rest.

Are you under stress/ have you increased your physical activity of late like joining a gym etc.?

Do you venture out in the sun (tropical climate) often or do you sweat alot?

Kindly let me know more about your daily routine to find out the possible cause.
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Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
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What Causes Cramps In The Hands & Legs?

Muscle cramps especially in legs and hands occur due to various reasons: 1. Poor blood circulation due to immobility/lack of adequate physical activity/confinement to bed. Reduced oxygen supply due to inadequate blood flow to muscles of legs and hands lead to cramps. 2. Smoking or caffeine in tea, coffee or cola drinks also affect blood circulation. 3. Loss of potassium from body or inadequate intake of potassium rich foods. 4. Lack of calcium, magnesium, sodium/potassium, chloride salts in the body 5. Inadequate fluid intake which may cause dehydration. Kindly mention your age, are you having any health issues like BP/circulation problems? are you on any medications as some medications can cause cramps as a side effect. Also cramps occur after intense physical activity/exercise due to accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. In such a case, cramps usually subside after a period of rest. Are you under stress/ have you increased your physical activity of late like joining a gym etc.? Do you venture out in the sun (tropical climate) often or do you sweat alot? Kindly let me know more about your daily routine to find out the possible cause.