Lack of magnesium and B vitamins, potassium and calcium can cause night cramps. This was told socialbites.ca by general practitioner Ekaterina Terentyeva, head of the medical examination department of INVITRO.
“This is especially common in people who experience constant physical and mental strain, stress and lack of sleep. Pregnancy periods and postpartum are also associated with a deficiency of these trace elements and vitamins. A condition often confused with cramps is restless legs syndrome, where there is discomfort, tingling or twitching at night and the need to constantly move the legs to relieve symptoms. This condition is often associated with low iron levels. In such cases, a screening test for ferritin levels is recommended,” explained the expert.
According to the doctor, at the moment of cramping, you need to rub the affected area, warm the muscles. If there is a spasm in the shin area, you can bend the foot towards you as much as possible by pulling your fingers towards the shinbone.
“Massage the spasmed muscles, stand up and walk a little, move your legs in different directions. A warm shower can help relieve pain and relieve cramps.
If the contractions spread to various parts of the body and/or are accompanied by other symptoms, consult a doctor immediately,” noted the doctor.
The therapist emphasized that recurrent seizures were also a reason for seeing a doctor. Women should consult a gynecologist especially when it comes to abdominal cramps during the menstrual period. If there are external signs of damage to the veins of the legs, you need to contact a surgeon or phlebologist. A neurologist will help with convulsions in the elderly, as well as in patients who have had a head injury or stroke.
“A biochemical blood test may be recommended as primary tests: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, urea, creatinine, liver tests, TSH and complete blood count. If necessary, the doctor will recommend a longer examination,” he concluded.
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