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Why Do I Get Leg Cramps At Night?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Oct 2023
Question: I get leg cramps at night. What is the cause? I think that I drink enough water, but what is enough water? What is a good remedy?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Good question? What is enough water!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I will say enough water is a minimum of 1.5Liters daily unless restricted for medical reasons such as kidney or heart failure. Also, you should drink enough to urinate at least thrice daily.

I will lik eto know at what time of the night you get these cramps. Also, what were your last potassium, calcium and magnesium blood values like. These would help in making the right call.

Finally, do you have any blood vessels disease? Any pain or cramps when walking?

Waiting to hear back from you!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)
I do urinate more than 3 times a day. I am pretty sure I drink at least 1.5 liters per day.
My cramps usually occur between 3 and 5AM.
I do not have a record of my potassium, calcium and magnesium blood values.
I do not have blood vessel disease. Do not experience pain or cramps when walking.
Thanks for your reply
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (42 hours later)
Brief Answer:
While pending your electrolyte reports, this is nocturnal cramps!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

These represent nocturnal cramps unless electrolytes are abnormal. Initial management strategies include stretching exercises as detailed in teh following section.

"Stretching exercises – Posterior leg muscle stretching exercises are usually performed in the weightbearing position. The posterior leg muscles are stretched by leaning forward with the legs kept straight and the feet kept flat on the floor; the position is held for 10 to 20 seconds and stretches are repeated three to five times in succession, four times daily for the first week, then twice daily in the evening, and again before retiring thereafter. Stretching before going to bed at night may be sufficient for some patients"

If your health doesn't permit, let me know so that I can propose some pharmacological alternatives reserved for cramps that fail to respond to these initial measures. In addition, get well hydrated throughout the day.

I wish you well. Kindly keep me updated about this.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)
Thank you. My health is good enough. I will do the exercises that you recommend.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I await your updates!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Kindly keep me updated about the progress.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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Why Do I Get Leg Cramps At Night?

Brief Answer: Good question? What is enough water! Detailed Answer: Hi, I will say enough water is a minimum of 1.5Liters daily unless restricted for medical reasons such as kidney or heart failure. Also, you should drink enough to urinate at least thrice daily. I will lik eto know at what time of the night you get these cramps. Also, what were your last potassium, calcium and magnesium blood values like. These would help in making the right call. Finally, do you have any blood vessels disease? Any pain or cramps when walking? Waiting to hear back from you!