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What Causes Severe Leg Cramps At Night?

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Posted on Fri, 6 Jan 2017
Question: I'm having leg cramps for about a week at night.. I don't eat right I'm thinking I'm low in potassium and Calcium.. what is the recommended dose of each .. I'm 53 year old white female.
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Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
cramps can be due to deficiency of sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX welcome to HCM, thanks for the lovely picture!
Are you on any kind of medication for blood pressure?
Yes cramps can be due to deficiency of sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium.
Vitamin E deficiency can also lead to cramps.
Normal calcium level is 9-11 mg%
Potassium--3.5-5 milli equivalents per liter
Please get your electrolyte and mineral levels (calcium, magnesium) tested
Meanwhile you can take some salted lemon juice, vitamin E 400 mgs at night and if needed a Tylenol.
Keep smiling!
Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Geeta Sundar

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1975

Answered : 1329 Questions

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What Causes Severe Leg Cramps At Night?

Brief Answer: cramps can be due to deficiency of sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX welcome to HCM, thanks for the lovely picture! Are you on any kind of medication for blood pressure? Yes cramps can be due to deficiency of sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium. Vitamin E deficiency can also lead to cramps. Normal calcium level is 9-11 mg% Potassium--3.5-5 milli equivalents per liter Please get your electrolyte and mineral levels (calcium, magnesium) tested Meanwhile you can take some salted lemon juice, vitamin E 400 mgs at night and if needed a Tylenol. Keep smiling! Regards