What Causes Muscle Cramps In The Inner Thighs?

Posted on Sun, 8 Oct 2017

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

Sun, 8 Oct 2017 Answered on

Fri, 3 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have recently developed inner thigh cramps while cycling, I have been a cyclist for 4 years and have never had a cramping problem, never had cramping over my lifetime of sports, just don't get them until recently. Usually hits about 40 mile mark which is nothing compared to what I have been riding. I take a calcium and magnesium supplement and have for about 3 years. I am 60 years old and very active. I have recently hired a professional trainer so my workouts are much harder which I can se caused one episode but yesterday on a 58 mile ride I had to drop out after 40. I had rested for nine days before so no reason to have been tired. I do have varicose veins and wear knee high compression socks and have for 20 years but they cause me no problem. I thought I did read that this could cause inner thigh cramps, but don't know where I saw this, could this be a problem, if so I will go to a vein center. This is ruining my cycling

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Potassuim depletion or peripheral arterial insufficiency

Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns . The symptoms you are experiencing could be due to potassuim difficiency , so I would recommend that you take a blood test for potassuim level in your blood and if found low you should start to take potassuim supplements.
Another possible cause is peripheral arterial insufficiency which can present by a pain similar to muscle cramps following an excersice , this can be diagnosed by angiography and can be treated by low dose aspirin or pentoxyfilline .. I hope I answered your question ..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (1 hour later)

I do take a 595mg potassium supplement each day and have for about three years along with a low dose bayer aspirin for about eight years. These cramps I feel coming on slow and only during cycling until they get so bad I can't even make one pedal stroke. I do not get them at night or any other time, just seems like cycling lately

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Potassuim blood level

Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, I recommend you get the test for blood level of potassuim level as the recommended daily intake is from more than 2000 mg daily , so unless you are getting enough potassuim supplementation from fresh foods then you might be difficient in it..
Also magnesium daily intake should range between 400-420 mg daily .. I hope I answered your question

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad