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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Leg And Thigh Cramps After Physical Activity Be Treated?

I get terrible leg/thigh cramps at the beginning of the night usually after cycling or other physical activity during the day. the cramps last (it seems) 3 to 5 min and is very intense in either or both legs. Its not every night but happing more often about the past 2 years..
Fri, 15 Sep 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello
Welcome to health care magic.

Cramps in legs at night can be due to mineral deficiency/overexertion with inadequate hydration/early sign of restless leg syndrome.
If cramps come immediately on doing physical activity and relieves on resting ,it can be due to peripheral artery disease.

I would like to know your age and if you are on any medications.Certain medications may cause electrolyte imbalance and give rise to such symptoms.
If symptoms seem to be of that like peripheral artery disease,Colour doppler scan blood flow of of legs will be required.
I would advise you to undergo certain tests like calcium deficiency,fasting blood glucose.
Maintain adequate body hydration.If you are doing vigourous physical activity,take pauses between activity and have drinks with electrolytes.
If calcium deficiency found,regular calcium supplementation may be needed.
Use local warm compresses when you get the pain.
Local muscle massage and muscle relaxation exercises will help with the pain.
Avoid smoking,alcohol and caffeinated drinks .
If not relieved by these measures or you start getting numbness tingling in legs,consultation with specialist like general surgeon/neurologist may be needed.

Hope I answered your query.
Feel free to ask any more doubt.

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How Can Leg And Thigh Cramps After Physical Activity Be Treated?

Hello Welcome to health care magic. Cramps in legs at night can be due to mineral deficiency/overexertion with inadequate hydration/early sign of restless leg syndrome. If cramps come immediately on doing physical activity and relieves on resting ,it can be due to peripheral artery disease. I would like to know your age and if you are on any medications.Certain medications may cause electrolyte imbalance and give rise to such symptoms. If symptoms seem to be of that like peripheral artery disease,Colour doppler scan blood flow of of legs will be required. I would advise you to undergo certain tests like calcium deficiency,fasting blood glucose. Maintain adequate body hydration.If you are doing vigourous physical activity,take pauses between activity and have drinks with electrolytes. If calcium deficiency found,regular calcium supplementation may be needed. Use local warm compresses when you get the pain. Local muscle massage and muscle relaxation exercises will help with the pain. Avoid smoking,alcohol and caffeinated drinks . If not relieved by these measures or you start getting numbness tingling in legs,consultation with specialist like general surgeon/neurologist may be needed. Hope I answered your query. Feel free to ask any more doubt.