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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Leg Cramps?

Hello Dr: I m 55yr old, diabetic, but under control, take insulin as well as metformin, & crestor. At least 2-3 times a week while sleeping I have to get out of bed because of extreme painful leg cramps below the knee. But they are not strained muscles related but more tendon like. Its as if my leg, can be one or both are locked in an unusual position that requires me to stand and force the relaxation of the leg by stretching or massaging for at least 1/2 hr or more. Any guidance would be appreciated. Richard
posted on Mon, 9 Jun 2014
Twitter Mon, 11 Apr 2016 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 11 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on
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Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist,  's  Response
hi,

thank you for providing the brief history of you.

As you mentioned about the muscle cramps, it could be related to diabetes as some people report the same symptoms. Depending upon the history of the diabetes like how long it is persisting can help assess better. Also, are performing any regular exercises for controlling the blood glucose levels. If not then exercises are a must for a diabetic, not just only walking. As due to diabetes there is a possibility of the freezing of the nerves and muscles which leads to the abnormal cellular metabolism and lead to muscle cramps. Also, you can check the lumbar spine assessed with the MRI scan to rule out any degenerative disc pathology. as even with the possible of the degenerative disc pathology the cramps are possible.

Treatment will be guided based on the diagnosis. Also exercises are recommended in both of the cases for better cellular functioning and metabolism.

Regards
Jay Indravadan Patel
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What Causes Severe Leg Cramps?

hi, thank you for providing the brief history of you. As you mentioned about the muscle cramps, it could be related to diabetes as some people report the same symptoms. Depending upon the history of the diabetes like how long it is persisting can help assess better. Also, are performing any regular exercises for controlling the blood glucose levels. If not then exercises are a must for a diabetic, not just only walking. As due to diabetes there is a possibility of the freezing of the nerves and muscles which leads to the abnormal cellular metabolism and lead to muscle cramps. Also, you can check the lumbar spine assessed with the MRI scan to rule out any degenerative disc pathology. as even with the possible of the degenerative disc pathology the cramps are possible. Treatment will be guided based on the diagnosis. Also exercises are recommended in both of the cases for better cellular functioning and metabolism. Regards Jay Indravadan Patel