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What Causes Leg Cramps And Fatigue?
Posted on
Sun, 17 Sep 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 17 Sep 2017
Answered on
Tue, 10 Oct 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : I have extreme tiredness in my legs and pain in my hips. Nightly leg cramps. Overall feeling of lethargy. I try to eat a well balanced diet and drink plenty of water. I would like an understanding of why I am so tired. thank you
Brief Answer:
Please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
Generalized Fatigue can be due to several reasons like Anemia, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, hypertension etc. Sometimes sleep problems like sleep apnoea can also cause lethargy.
A detailed physical examination and blood investigations including complete blood count, ESR, Thyroid function test, Complete metabolic profile, electrolyte levels (especially since you have leg cramps) are required for evaluation of lethargy.
Hip pain can occur due to hip problems like osteoarthritis or problems of the spine. Xray lumbar spine, pelvis and Hips are needed to pinpoint to a particular cause.
The leg cramps you are experiencing can be due to the leg pain or other possibilities like peripheral vascular disease. Doppler blood flow studies are recommended to rule out peripheral vascular disease.
A definite answer can only be given after the above-mentioned evaluations have been done. Please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider for appropriate evaluation and management.
Meanwhile, apply heat and practice stretching exercises to help with leg cramps.
Stretching Exercise: Strech your legs with knees held straight and flex your feet upward towards the knee.
You can also take Advil 600 mg thrice daily for pain.
Continue electrolyte-rich food like banana. Drink electrolyte-rich sports drinks like Gatorade.
Hope I was able to help you
Please let me know if you need further clarification
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
Generalized Fatigue can be due to several reasons like Anemia, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, hypertension etc. Sometimes sleep problems like sleep apnoea can also cause lethargy.
A detailed physical examination and blood investigations including complete blood count, ESR, Thyroid function test, Complete metabolic profile, electrolyte levels (especially since you have leg cramps) are required for evaluation of lethargy.
Hip pain can occur due to hip problems like osteoarthritis or problems of the spine. Xray lumbar spine, pelvis and Hips are needed to pinpoint to a particular cause.
The leg cramps you are experiencing can be due to the leg pain or other possibilities like peripheral vascular disease. Doppler blood flow studies are recommended to rule out peripheral vascular disease.
A definite answer can only be given after the above-mentioned evaluations have been done. Please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider for appropriate evaluation and management.
Meanwhile, apply heat and practice stretching exercises to help with leg cramps.
Stretching Exercise: Strech your legs with knees held straight and flex your feet upward towards the knee.
You can also take Advil 600 mg thrice daily for pain.
Continue electrolyte-rich food like banana. Drink electrolyte-rich sports drinks like Gatorade.
Hope I was able to help you
Please let me know if you need further clarification
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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