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What Cause Twitching Of The Leg And Muscle Spasms In The Calf?
Question: I get leg twitches or mild muscle spasms from calf to my foot. I have no such trouble while moving, sitting or having other physical exercise but these occur when I lay down prone at night . When it happens I can feel the heartbeat in the leg. I have tried stretches and now tight stockings but so far no relief. What is discomfiting is that it keeps me from having a complete sleep. Is there something that is obvious to you that I can do to alleviate orvsee a doctor. I am 83 but regard myself to be in very good shape otherwise. XXXX
Brief Answer:
Can be nerve root compression.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
From the description provided it seems that you have muscle twitches or fasciculations. Since these are related to posture it can be due to a mild nerve root compression in the lower back. You might consult your doctor who can order
1. a few blood tests including thyroid function tests,
2. Serum electrolytes including Serum calcium and potassium levels.
3. Serum B12 levels
In case the above tests are normal further testing can be done including - nerve conduction studies, Electromyography, etc. These tests might help to diagnose any underlying neurological issues.
The treatment of most of the conditions is very easy and the condition will resolve on its own. In some cases, prescription medications might be needed to stop severe symptoms.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Can be nerve root compression.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
From the description provided it seems that you have muscle twitches or fasciculations. Since these are related to posture it can be due to a mild nerve root compression in the lower back. You might consult your doctor who can order
1. a few blood tests including thyroid function tests,
2. Serum electrolytes including Serum calcium and potassium levels.
3. Serum B12 levels
In case the above tests are normal further testing can be done including - nerve conduction studies, Electromyography, etc. These tests might help to diagnose any underlying neurological issues.
The treatment of most of the conditions is very easy and the condition will resolve on its own. In some cases, prescription medications might be needed to stop severe symptoms.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Doctor, your comment about potassium triggered a thought: when I eat a banana, I get limited relief from the leg movements. So I would ask how I could get stronger potassium since it appears that insufficient potassium is a factor . I ask what kind of product allows for greater potassium input and where it can be found. Or does it
Require a prescription? Thank you. XXXX
Require a prescription? Thank you. XXXX
Brief Answer:
Prescription may be needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
High potassium foods include beans, dark leafy greens, potatoes, squash, yogurt, fish, avocados, mushrooms, and bananas.
If all these do not help then you need to get the blood levels checked and proper prescriptions.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Prescription may be needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
High potassium foods include beans, dark leafy greens, potatoes, squash, yogurt, fish, avocados, mushrooms, and bananas.
If all these do not help then you need to get the blood levels checked and proper prescriptions.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
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