A 25-year-old member asked:
Every night i wake up with bad leg cramps. what shouldi do?
4 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pavel Conovalciucanswered
Family Medicine 23 years experience
Common: Leg cramps are a common problem. The cause is unknown, though.
Try magnesium supplement, tonic water with quinine, potassium supplements may help. Local heat or topical rub such as bengay/icyhot or voltaren (diclofenac) gel may be of some relief. Avoid exercise before bedtime.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Arthur Helleranswered
Gastroenterology 43 years experience
Could also be low Fe: Agree with other answers. Sometimes nighttime leg cramps are associated with iron deficiency (with or without anemia). Get it checked (blood test for iron-fe, iron binding capacity, and ferritin-iron storage protein).
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. James Isobeanswered
Phlebology 54 years experience
Seek cause: Tired, irritated muscles due to a number of causes result in cramping. Venous incompetence results in leg swelling; prolonged working, standing, dehydration, heavy exercise are other causes. Low levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium from diuretic use can cause cramping. Try stretching exercises, ice massages, see a venous specialist (phlebologist) for help.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Many causes: One of the most common symptoms of varicose veins and venous incompetence is leg cramps. As much as 70% of the time, people with varicose veins will have leg cramps. Although there are many other possible causes, as others have said, if you have any visible veins in your legs, you should see a venous specialist (phlebologist) for help.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 38-year-old member asked:
Why is it that i get leg cramps almost every night?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. David Trettinanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 33 years experience
See your pcp: Difficult to say without examination. I would reccommend seeing your primary care physician for evaluation and treatment. Your symptoms are suggestive of "restless leg syndrome " and there is effective medication available by prescription for this condition. Best of luck!
4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Why do I wake up with leg cramps in the middle of the night?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Jeffrey Kassanswered
Podiatry 28 years experience
Diferent: Possibilities, but I find magnesium supplements taken before bedtime work really well for this.
2.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 64-year-old male asked:
Why do I get leg cramps every night?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Shelly Sethianswered
Family Medicine 19 years experience
Leg cramps: Hi. This could be a magnesium deficiency, b12 deficiency , iron deficiency or even dehydration. Try taking these vitamins and I would suggest getting your blood checked.
Thank you,
Dr. Sethi
654 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Oct 4, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.