What Causes Severe Leg Cramps At Night Long After Taking Cortisone Injections?

Posted on Tue, 23 Jun 2015

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

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 Answered on

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had several cordazone injecation several weeks age. They were effective but I have had severe leg cramps about every nite since then, Help! Havent had a decent nights sleep since then. What can I use for relief?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not related to injections;following causes and remedies...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concerns.

1. Having severe leg cramps is not related to the cortisone injections you had.

2. Possible causes of severe leg pain during night include:
- staying in standing or sit for long periods of time during the day (lack of movement); the bad blood is sludged in the legs causing pain
- even being extremely tired; moving around for long period can be possible cause
- lack of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, B complex vitamins
- deep vein thrombosis (blockage of blood vessels of the leg)

3. Further investigations are needed :
- Echo doppler of blood vessels of the leg to exclude blockage
- complete blood count
- a complete electrolyte and vitamin balance
- check blood glucose to exclude diabetic neuropathy

4. For the moment, I advise to:
- apply warm compresses and analgesic cream locally
- take oral supplements containing calcium, vit.D, magnesium, zinc and B complex vitamins
- massaging with essential oils can also help

Hope it was of help! Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

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