What Causes Intermittent Jerking Of The Legs?

Posted on Thu, 11 Oct 2018

Question: reason for knee muscles of right knee get very taunt.It travels down the back of my leg, sometimes into the bottom of my foot.Makes my leg very taunt and sore causing it to jerk.Happens at times when sitting on soft chairs,sometimes at night when laying down in bed.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

Can be due to electrolyte abnormality.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The tightness of the muscles that you have can happen due to a muscle spasm. Sometimes, it can be due to dehydration, muscle fatigue or electrolyte abnormalities. It is better to drink sufficient fluid and also see that your intake of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium ) is sufficient. You can drink Oralyte for this.

Other factors are:

Poor fitness levels and lack of regular exercises.
Poor nutrition and obesity.

Sometimes osteoarthritic changes in the knee are the reason.
Do consult your physician for a few tests in case these are persistent.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Praveen Tayal, Orthopaedic Surgeon

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar