How do I stop nocturnal leg cramps?

Karen McNew
WSLS 10 On Your Side
Published: July 16, 2008

QUESTION: My husband gets bad leg cramps, mostly when he is sleeping. He takes over the counter products, but they don’t seem to help. At work he stands, and says after four hours he can’t stand the pain. What can you find out?

ANSWER: There are many possible causes for leg cramps.

First, talk your husband into seeing a doctor to find out the exact source of the pain.
I did find some possibilities from Carilion Clinic’s Dr. Mark Greenawald.

He says, “It is important to determine if the leg cramps are actually being caused by a condition called peripheral arterial disease (PAD), particularly if they also occur during the day and/or with increased activity. This is a serious, commonly overlooked condition where the legs and feet are not getting adequate blood flow.”

Dr. Greenawald also says leg cramps could be caused by many other things including muscle, nerve and circulation problems. Also, if your husband takes medicine, it could be a side effect of that medication.

Find more On Your Side information about leg cramps at http://www.wsls.com — click lifestyles and then health.