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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can severe Lower Leg Pain Be Treated?

i have been waking up in the middle of the night with such pain down the shins of my legs. the pain is so bad and i can feel how tight it is right down to my feet. i have to try and walk it out which is really hard to do cause i have to try and use my arms to pick my legs up to walk or i get up on my knees on the bed and lean forward trying to stretch it out. what causes this?
Tue, 28 Mar 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

I understand your concern. From your description of the pain it seems you are experiencing nighttime leg cramping, which is a condition that causes strong, painful and sudden muscle contractions, usually ocurring just after falling asleep.

The reasons can be many. The most frequent causes is low magnesium, calcium or potassium levels in the blood, which can be quite common during pregnancy.

Also, exercising or overusing the muscles during a strenuous physical activity and even an injury can cause these type of cramps.

Dehydration can also be a plausible cause. More rare causes can be exposure to clod temperatures and sleeping on a hard surface or uncomfortable mattress.

Certain medications such as cholesterol lowering drugs, contraceptives, steroids or diuretics can also be possible culprits.

If none of these apply to you and this condition does not improve, then it is best to see a doctor for a thorough check up and further investigation.

I hope this helps.

Wishing you all the best.

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How Can severe Lower Leg Pain Be Treated?

Hello, I understand your concern. From your description of the pain it seems you are experiencing nighttime leg cramping, which is a condition that causes strong, painful and sudden muscle contractions, usually ocurring just after falling asleep. The reasons can be many. The most frequent causes is low magnesium, calcium or potassium levels in the blood, which can be quite common during pregnancy. Also, exercising or overusing the muscles during a strenuous physical activity and even an injury can cause these type of cramps. Dehydration can also be a plausible cause. More rare causes can be exposure to clod temperatures and sleeping on a hard surface or uncomfortable mattress. Certain medications such as cholesterol lowering drugs, contraceptives, steroids or diuretics can also be possible culprits. If none of these apply to you and this condition does not improve, then it is best to see a doctor for a thorough check up and further investigation. I hope this helps. Wishing you all the best.