What Causes Severe Leg Cramps At Night?

Posted on Sun, 30 Jul 2017

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

Sun, 30 Jul 2017 Answered on

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been experiencing severe leg cramps at the thighs and calves, especially at nighttime. The cramping goes into the abdominal area so that I am unable to stand. At one point in time I had taken Montelukast sol 10 mg. and discontinued taking it for a reason I cannot remember now. I have some of that medication now and wonder if it would be ok for me to try 1 tablet to help my present condition.

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

Brief Answer:
It won't help

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns , but Montelukast tablets are meant to treat allergic symptoms and will not benefit in the condition of muscle cramping.
Night time muscle cramps can be due to a number of causes including mineral difficiency such as potassuim, calcium and magnesium so I would recommend that you get a blood test to detect the levels of these minerals in your blood and if found to be low , you should take supplements..
Another cause of night time muscle cramps is dehydration and muscle exhaustion so I would recommend that you make sure you drink enough fluids daily ( at least eight cups) and avoid standing for prolonged time during the day especially on hard surfaces..
I hope I answered your question, if you don't have any other clarifications then please close the discussion.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad