What Causes Painful Leg Cramps?

Posted on Sun, 7 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 7 Sep 2014 Answered on

Mon, 6 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have often been bothered by foot and leg cramps. The past two days my symptoms have worsened. The cramps in my legs are very painful and interrupt my sleep. I have had cramps in my legs quite often but these are much more painful and I can't seem to rub them away or walk them away. In fact walking is nearly impossible.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern.

The history you describe requires that you have a Doppler ultra sound of the lower limbs done soon to see for adequate blood flow and rule out any possible DVT or other causes.

I would also recommend a neurological exam to rule out any focal deficit and to check for adequate power and tone of muscles.

The following investigation should also be done adjuvantly
Urine R/E, CBC, RFTs, LFTs,
•Prothrombin time (PT)
•Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
•Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
•Creatine kinase (most reliable and sensitive indicator of muscle injury)
•Urine myoglobin

You may take tab Gabapentin along with Celecoxib for pain relief in consult with your doctor

Let me know if you have any query

wishing you best of health

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T