What Causes Muscle Cramping In My Lower Extremities Daily?

Posted on Mon, 7 Apr 2014

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

Mon, 7 Apr 2014 Answered on

Fri, 2 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having severe muscle cramping in my lower extremities daily . What could be causing this? I have to get up & walk it off to the cramps to subside.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Suspect Peripheral Arterial Disease Detailed Answer: Hi.Thanks for writing me. From your history I were to suspect a peripheral vessel disease which might narrow the vessel supplying blood to your extremities. I were to do examine your blood vessels at the thigh, knee and foot bilaterally and do a Doppler scan which gives me better visibility on the patency of these vessels. Hope this answers your query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (3 days later)

Could my lower extremity cramps possibly be caused from electrol lytes imbalance? Or a low potassium? What does it mean when your sodium level is elevated?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Unlikely by potassium.High sodium rises BP. Detailed Answer: Electrolyte disturbance/low potassium never cause pain which gets better when you move as mentioned in earlier question. Potassium loss is associated with generalised fatigue, body pains , disturbance in heart rate/rythm etc. High sodium shall result in water retention and increase your Blood Pressure over a course of time. Hope this answers your query.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj