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Is Magnesium The Right Medication For Leg Cramps At Night?
Question: I get cramp in bed at night quite regularly. I take 4 magnesium tablets x 100gms (the maximum the company allows) yet it persists. Any help would be appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Magnesium won't help probably
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
although it seems to be common practice to take magnesium for the cramps, it's not effective in most of the cases.
In many cases the cause of the cramps cannot be identified, which means that no treatment can be recommended.
When the doctor can identify a cause, it can be:
- electrolyte disorders (sodium, magnesium, potassium mostly)
- drug use (diuretics, nifedipine, statins etc)
- dehydration
- peripheral arterial disease
- hypothyroidism
- liver problems (cirrhosis)
- alcohol abuse
- neuromuscular diseases
- end stage renal disease
etc
If your doctor can identify a specific cause, then specific treatment can be recommended. Otherwise, you can try some general measures, like avoiding overexertion and placing a pillow under your feet when you lay on your back. Stretching exercises might help as well.
I hope I've helped!
Kind Regards!
Magnesium won't help probably
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
although it seems to be common practice to take magnesium for the cramps, it's not effective in most of the cases.
In many cases the cause of the cramps cannot be identified, which means that no treatment can be recommended.
When the doctor can identify a cause, it can be:
- electrolyte disorders (sodium, magnesium, potassium mostly)
- drug use (diuretics, nifedipine, statins etc)
- dehydration
- peripheral arterial disease
- hypothyroidism
- liver problems (cirrhosis)
- alcohol abuse
- neuromuscular diseases
- end stage renal disease
etc
If your doctor can identify a specific cause, then specific treatment can be recommended. Otherwise, you can try some general measures, like avoiding overexertion and placing a pillow under your feet when you lay on your back. Stretching exercises might help as well.
I hope I've helped!
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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