Ask your pharmacist leg cramps

Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. If you have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie

Question

I have started walking more this summer and it has really helped me lose a few pounds. However since I’ve been walking more, I’ve noticed that I’m getting painful cramps in my calves at night. Is the increased walking causing this and is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Louise, Mullingar

Answer

Leg cramps are common, and although can be quite painful, is generally not a serious condition. They tend to increase as we get older.

Prevention
The exact cause of muscle cramp is not known but it is believed to be due to inadequate stretching before exercise and muscle fatigue due to exercise. As you become fitter due to your extra walking and your muscles become more accustomed to the increased exercise, you should find your leg cramps reducing. To help prevent your cramps, it is important you do warm up including stretches before and after your walks.

Dehydration also plays a role. When you exercise you lose fluid, which can upset calcium and phosphorous levels in the body and can trigger cramps. Make sure you drink plenty of fluid before and during your walk.

Heavy or tight bed clothes can force the toes downwards, stretching the leg muscles. Sleeping under a light, loose duvet may help.

Other treatments

If the above advice does not work, you may like to try Crampex® tablets. It is an over the counter treatment available in pharmacies, it works by improving circulation.

Quinine can be used to prevent leg cramps, especially at night. Quinine should only be considered if all other efforts fail and is only available with a doctor’s prescription. Quinine can cause dizziness and blurred vision occasionally so caution is advised. Tonic water contains very small amounts quinine, so it may be enough to relieve night cramps.  

Can there be another cause?

On rare occasions, leg cramps can be a sign of arteriosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. In this condition, the arteries become clogged by fatty deposits such as cholesterol, limiting the supply of blood to the muscles. As blood supply is limited, the muscles can’t get enough oxygen during activities like walking resulting in cramps. In mild cases, you may notice your legs are cold and your skin is dry. In more severe cases, the leg may become blue and ulcerated. Smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are all risk factors for atherosclerosis. Get checked by your GP if arteriosclerosis is a possibly.

More detailed information on ankle swelling is available at www.whelehans.ie or ask in Whelehans.

Disclaimer: Information given is suitable for the person above only; please ensure you consult with your healthcare professional before making any changes recommended