Recurrent leg cramps are ‘not normal,’ according to a cardiologist, who advises people to ‘listen early’ to their bodies’ signals.
“Your legs are attempting to communicate something. Don’t disregard frequent leg cramps, he stressed.
Leg cramps may be the body’s method of alerting us to underlying health problems. The body may use leg cramps as a means of alerting us to underlying medical issues.
Leg cramps are frequently dismissed as a little annoyance, attributed to dehydration, exhaustion, or a long day spent standing. However, a cardiologist cautions that frequent leg cramps may be the body’s way of alerting you to more serious underlying health problems, some of which can have negative outcomes if neglected. Why leg cramps shouldn’t be taken lightly was recently discussed by Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, a cardiologist and heart transplant specialist with experience in mechanical circulatory assistance and advanced heart failure.
“Leg cramps aren’t normal, and they’re not always caused by dehydration alone. Your legs are attempting to communicate with you. Never disregard cramps in your legs if they occur frequently. He stressed that you should pay attention to your body’s signals from the start, not after an issue arises. He claims that the timing, triggers, and patterns of leg cramps can frequently provide significant insights into the underlying causes.
A number of potential causes are listed by Dr. Yaranov, including nutritional and hormonal problems as well as circulatory illnesses. Peripheral artery disease, which is caused by blocked leg arteries, may be indicated by cramps that start when walking and go away when resting. When neglected for an extended period of time, it poses a threat to the limbs. Get examined if your ‘charley horse’ manifests with activity, he advises. Additionally, he highlights venous insufficiency, which causes cramps at night, leg heaviness, and evening swelling. Fluid buildup and muscular discomfort are caused by veins that cannot efficiently return blood. Those restless legs and protruding veins? Circulatory, not aesthetic.
Electrolyte imbalances, particularly low levels of magnesium, potassium, or calcium, are additional triggers, where, as he puts it, “muscles misfire when the chemistry is off.” Other potential contributing factors include metabolic or hormonal issues like thyroid disorders, anaemia, and vitamin D deficiency, as well as nerve problems, some medications, and excessive use without sufficient recovery. “Long shifts, heavy workouts, poor sleep – muscles tighten, tendons stiffen, and the legs revolt,” he observes, noting that the timeline is crucial in determining if cramps began after a new prescription. He claims that metabolic factors are to blame for the fact that “these make the legs fatigue easily and cramp more often.”
Leg cramps that are harmless and infrequent as opposed to cramps that might indicate underlying circulatory or nerve problems
“Occasional leg cramps that occur after exertion, dehydration, or prolonged sitting are usually brief, resolve on their own, and do not leave behind weakness or sensory changes,” Dr. Jagdish Chattnalli, senior minimal invasive brain and spine surgeon at Bengaluru West Clinics, HCG Hospitals Bengaluru, told indianexpress.com. For the most part, these are harmless. When cramps are accompanied by constant discomfort, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or noticeable muscular atrophy, they are more cause for concern, particularly if they occur often, especially while at rest or sleeping.
When should frequent leg cramps necessitate medical evaluation?
When leg cramps happen numerous times each week, interrupt sleep, last for weeks, or are accompanied by weakness, sensory symptoms, swelling, or changes in skin color, a medical examination is necessary, according to Dr. Chattnalli. Testing is crucial for older adults and those who have diabetes, thyroid illness, kidney disease, or a history of vascular or nerve issues.
“Initial evaluations usually involve blood tests to check electrolytes, kidney function, blood sugar levels, and thyroid health. Electromyography or nerve conduction studies may be recommended if nerve involvement is suspected. The professional comes to the conclusion that “vascular imaging or Doppler studies may be necessary if circulatory problems are suspected.”
Leg cramps are abrupt, unintentional muscle spasms that usually occur in the calf, foot, or thigh. They might occur at any time, whether while resting, exercising, or at night. The following are some of the most frequent reasons:
1) Muscle Overuse and Fatigue
* Strenuous physical activity
* Extended standing
* abrupt rise in activity
* Insufficient conditioning
Particularly susceptible are athletes and individuals who spend their days on their feet.
—
2) Dehydration
* Insufficient fluid intake
* Excessive perspiration
* vomiting or diarrhea
Fluid loss can impair regular muscle function.
—
3) Electrolyte Imbalance
Low amounts of:
* Potassium
* Magnesium
* Calcium
* Sodium
These minerals facilitate the correct contraction and relaxation of muscles.
—
4) Inadequate Circulation
* constricted arteries (peripheral artery disease)
* Maintaining the same posture while sitting or standing for an extended period of time
Problems with circulation sometimes cause cramps that get better with rest.
—
5) Nerve Compression
* Back issues, such a pinched nerve in the lower spine.
* Sciatica
Tingling, numbness, or weakness may occur with nerve-related cramps.
—
6) Drugs
The following are examples of drugs that may raise the risk of cramps:
* Diuretics
* Statins
* specific asthma drugs
—
7) Pregnancy
Leg cramps can be brought on by hormonal fluctuations and greater pressure on nerves and blood vessels, particularly in the second and third trimesters.
—
8) Medical Issues
* Diabetes
* kidney illness
* Problems with the thyroid
* Liver illness
—
9) Night Leg Cramps (Without Obvious Cause)
Nighttime cramps affect many individuals even when there is no underlying health condition. These are prevalent among the elderly.
—
The Best Time to See a Doctor
If you have cramps, get medical help:
* Are they severe or occurring often?
* Weaken your muscles
* May be accompanied by warmth, redness, or swelling
* Do not get better with stretching and hydration.
