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My husband 78yrs old gets leg cramps at night when he''s sleeping. He takes potassium but it doesn''t help. He suffers so badly with them. I wish there was something I could do to help. Please see if you can help him?

Submitted: 647 days and 1 hours ago.

Category: Health

Value: $9

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Optional Information:
Female, Age: 66, Colorado

Already Tried:
Potassium

Accepted Answer

Hello
The exact cause of night leg cramps isn't known.Common causes other then low potassium levels are: muscle overextension,prolonged sitting, dehydration, diabetes, neuro muscular disorders,excessive alcohol,peripheral vascular disease.
Following helps to relieve the night leg cramps:Stretching and massaging the affected muscle,applying a cold pack to the affected muscle,taking a hot bath,using a pillow to prop the feet up in bed while sleeping on your back,supplementation with vitamin B12 & gabapentin.Also continue giving potassium.If he have a major discomfort,then I advice him to see a doctor as may need prescription medications.
Hope my answer had helped.

Expert:	doctor_charles
Pos. Feedback:	98.7 %
Accepts:	1423
Answered:	6/6/2008

Doctor

Internal medicine specialist

647 days ago.

Reply

We know about the potassium & B12.Tried all others but nothing seems to help. Spoke to Dr & got same advice but nothing seems to help. Thank you anyway.

Posted by doctor_charles 647 days ago.

Answer

Stretching and massaging the affected muscle,applying a cold pack to the affected muscle.Also he may consult a chiropractioner or the herbal medications.

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