What Causes Leg Cramps?

Posted on Sat, 12 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 12 Jul 2014 Answered on

Fri, 1 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband is having servere leg cramps with a large indentation in his leg and the leg wont straighten out. What should he do?

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hot or cold compression.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of muscles and can be painful.
Presently you can give
1. Hot or cold compression to ease pain
2. NSAIDS like ibuprofen to reduce pain
3. Good hydration - take more fluids.
4. Muscle relaxers can be taken.

If it is recurrent, potassium and calcium levels in blood needs to be checked.
Avoid exercises of any sort and take good rest. Hydration is very important.
Warm and stretch before exercise to prevent muscle injury which can cause cramps.

Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju