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What Causes Cramps And Spasms In The Lower Leg?
Hello, I am a female age 64. I have been experiencing in my lower leg cramps and spasms over the last few months...sometimes quite painful. Happen while I am sleeping and wake me up. Last night however, I had the worst leg cramps and spasms ever that started in my lower legs and then worked up into my upper thighs towards my groin. off and on on both legs. I almost passed out the pain was so intense. It eased up for awhile and then came back. My legs are very sore today and I as very concerned. Any ideas what is causing this?
Thu, 30 Mar 2017
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I have read your question fully and understand your concerns.
Muscle cramps at night are normally caused by muscle fatigue. Dehydration can lead to muscle fatigue. If you have been very active during the day, it could result in nocturnal leg cramps. Increasing age in another risk factor. Other causes of muscle cramps are neuropathy (damage to the nerves), poor circulation in the legs, diabetes, kidney problems etc.
In majority of cases, there is no cause found.
Muscle cramps can be painful, massaging with your fingers can help relieve the pain. Massaging with a cold pack can help too. You could also at the same time rub a small amount of Ibuprofen gel or Diclofenac gel over the cramped muscle to relieve the pain. Also if you flex your foot upwards that can relieve the tension in the muscle and it will ease the pain. You could also get down from your bed and walk around.
If after the cramp the leg is still sore, you could take a mild painkiller like ibuprofen 200-400 mg (provided you are not allergic to it). Drink plenty of water during the day. You can do some gentle leg stretches before going to bed to prevent yourself getting a muscle cramp.
If you have not been screened for diabetes or kidney disease, can you kindly fix an appointment to see your doctor to get some routine blood tests done?
I hope this answer has helped you.
Thank you
Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I have read your question fully and understand your concerns.
Muscle cramps at night are normally caused by muscle fatigue. Dehydration can lead to muscle fatigue. If you have been very active during the day, it could result in nocturnal leg cramps. Increasing age in another risk factor. Other causes of muscle cramps are neuropathy (damage to the nerves), poor circulation in the legs, diabetes, kidney problems etc.
In majority of cases, there is no cause found.
Muscle cramps can be painful, massaging with your fingers can help relieve the pain. Massaging with a cold pack can help too. You could also at the same time rub a small amount of Ibuprofen gel or Diclofenac gel over the cramped muscle to relieve the pain. Also if you flex your foot upwards that can relieve the tension in the muscle and it will ease the pain. You could also get down from your bed and walk around.
If after the cramp the leg is still sore, you could take a mild painkiller like ibuprofen 200-400 mg (provided you are not allergic to it). Drink plenty of water during the day. You can do some gentle leg stretches before going to bed to prevent yourself getting a muscle cramp.
If you have not been screened for diabetes or kidney disease, can you kindly fix an appointment to see your doctor to get some routine blood tests done?
I hope this answer has helped you.
Thank you
Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
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