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What Causes Cramps And Discomfort In The Thighs?
Question: I have been having cramping/discomfort in my thighs and upper legs (both) for about 4 weeks. I thought maybe it was my Lipitor. I went off of it two weeks ago and have been using an over the counter med called Hyland's Leg Cramps. I am still having the discomfort. It is not 24/7 and for instance it was bad (hard to walk) night after 6 and when I woke up this morning, the discomfort is still. there.
Brief Answer:
Treatment recommended and some practical advises.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
The most possible cause of leg cramps is not known. So, generally they are treated with vitamin supplements which have vitamin B complex (three times daily, containing 30 mg of vitamin B6) or vitamin E (800 international units before bed). Magnesium is used in cramps related to pregnancy, and even then, it has proven lately that using it does not make a difference.
In patients in whom vitamin and mineral supplements are ineffective, we try diphenhydramine (12.5 to 50 mg nightly) at bedtime, which I believe you can find over the counter.
Of course, there are other medicines recommended if this second option of treatment does not work. But at that stage I would recommend doing a physical examination and full testing depending on the exam, so you can rule out important causes. But if you feel fine except that, and have no chronic conditions, then I would feel confident that the suggested treatments above would be enough.
I also would suggest that you check you calcium levels, if you are not already taking calcium supplements, which are recommended in every post menopause woman.
Something that has proven to help is the use of daily stretching exercises.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Treatment recommended and some practical advises.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
The most possible cause of leg cramps is not known. So, generally they are treated with vitamin supplements which have vitamin B complex (three times daily, containing 30 mg of vitamin B6) or vitamin E (800 international units before bed). Magnesium is used in cramps related to pregnancy, and even then, it has proven lately that using it does not make a difference.
In patients in whom vitamin and mineral supplements are ineffective, we try diphenhydramine (12.5 to 50 mg nightly) at bedtime, which I believe you can find over the counter.
Of course, there are other medicines recommended if this second option of treatment does not work. But at that stage I would recommend doing a physical examination and full testing depending on the exam, so you can rule out important causes. But if you feel fine except that, and have no chronic conditions, then I would feel confident that the suggested treatments above would be enough.
I also would suggest that you check you calcium levels, if you are not already taking calcium supplements, which are recommended in every post menopause woman.
Something that has proven to help is the use of daily stretching exercises.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
What kind of specialist (doctor) would you recommend who I would see?
Brief Answer:
First go for an evaluation to the family physician
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow-up question.
You can go to the general/family physician who will perform the clinical exam, maybe order some labs and if needed he may refer you to the Neurologist or Rheumatologist.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr.Papaqako
First go for an evaluation to the family physician
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow-up question.
You can go to the general/family physician who will perform the clinical exam, maybe order some labs and if needed he may refer you to the Neurologist or Rheumatologist.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr.Papaqako
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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