9 replies to this topic

[_jen_]

For the last couple years I have been getting these awful awful cramps in my calf at night. It happened one night while i was sleeping all of a sudden.  It now happens every month or so and in the same leg. I cannot describe the intensity of the pain! Does anyone know what the cause might be of this. My doctor told me its "normal" but surely this pain that makes me feel like my leg is being ripped off is not so normal? On the internet it says its common for people who are taking certain meds, but i am not on these. Anyone know?

[hameedeh]

_jen_, on 11 January 2012 - 03:20 PM, said:

For the last couple years I have been getting these awful awful cramps in my calf at night. It happened one night while i was sleeping all of a sudden.  It now happens every month or so and in the same leg. I cannot describe the intensity of the pain! Does anyone know what the cause might be of this. My doctor told me its "normal" but surely this pain that makes me feel like my leg is being ripped off is not so normal? On the internet it says its common for people who are taking certain meds, but i am not on these. Anyone know?

One reason is like the doctor said, it is normal due to aging muscles. However, I have heard that it may be a symptom of dehydration. Also a third possibility is you are low in calcium. So, it looks like exercise, eat right, and drink your water will stop the nightly leg cramping. HTH

[_jen_]

Thanks! ok im not so old lol...and my parents dont have this problem so i dont think I have aging muscles. But I am actually vitD/calcium deficient (although Im taking supplements on docs advice). If dehydration is the cause i guess i'll just drink more. It is just strange that it happened all of a sudden and seems to be happening quite regularly. Thanks for your reply.

[La fata illa Ali]

I am no doctor..I am an Engineer ...

cramping occurs becuase of missfiring neurons either in the brain or at the site of the problem.

dehydration is one issue but I want u to try and experiment.

tomorrow, eat three bananas, one in the morning one during lunch time and one half an hour b4 u go to bed.

My guess is your potassium is also an issue. Try it and tell us what happens. Also dont forget the water.

[ShiaSoldier@2007]

From personal experience it happens to me when my calves are inactive for a while, like when I haven't ran or lifted weights in a while. When is the last time you engaged your legs in any exercise? I can recommend doing some calf raises (it may make your legs spasm/cramp, just dorsiflex if the cramp becomes unbearable).

[*~* Malika *~*]

Salams,

What you're describing is most probably spasm in your muscle. Could be due to a recent episode of over exercising or calcium/vit D deficiency. The latter is more probable.. if symptoms persist, you could get your blood calcium levels tested just to see if you're getting the right dose.

[Isner]

I don't think this is normal and you need to consult professional for this.

[Gypsy]

There is a name for this condition. I don't remember the name right now but I will try to get if for you.

Eating more salt in your food helps.

[Muntaqim Force]

_jen_, on 11 January 2012 - 03:20 PM, said:

For the last couple years I have been getting these awful awful cramps in my calf at night. It happened one night while i was sleeping all of a sudden.  It now happens every month or so and in the same leg. I cannot describe the intensity of the pain! Does anyone know what the cause might be of this. My doctor told me its "normal" but surely this pain that makes me feel like my leg is being ripped off is not so normal? On the internet it says its common for people who are taking certain meds, but i am not on these. Anyone know?

Muscle cramps.

Some times the condition is just due to dehydrated state as some members already informed you but sometimes it could be due to metabolic abnormalities such as Vit D deficiency or Osteomalacia, Potassium, Phosphate or calcium imbalances. There are number of hormonal conditions too which give symptom similar to yours. Diabetes or lipid disorders can give you something in laymen term known as 'restless leg syndrom'.

It could be due to adverse effect of certain medications if you are taking any.

If this is really bothering you , then please go for Vit D , Calcium, Phosphate levels and if you dont mind spending money then go for PTH levels too.
You can send me the results.

For temporarily symptom relief,  I advice you to take muscle relaxant such as Muscadol 500mg twice a day or any other medicine which has Orphenadrine and Acetaminophen (dose stays same).

I also see under your interest 'gymming' . You might need to cut down stressful exercises and focus towards strengthing exercises.

Edited by Muntaqim Force, 12 February 2012 - 03:51 AM.

[_jen_]

Thanks people. I went to my doctor about this again. I was told it was probably muscular and to drink tonic water before I sleep. Someone here also suggested i stretch my leg at a certain angle just as the cramp is about to start - which has actually REALLY helped in preventing the cramping just as my muscle is about to go that way.....But, my doc seems reluctant to test me to find out the actual cause. I think its vitD deficiency to be honest...since I know from previous blood tests that I am deficient.