Overview

Leg cramps are painful that occur due to involuntary spasm and contraction in the muscles. It retards the function of the affected leg. Leg cramps usually occur while sleeping or while waking up.

The site of cramps is usually the calf muscles. Leg cramps may occur as a side effect of cancer treatment and may also occur due to non-cancer conditions and certain medications.

What causes leg cramps in cancer patients

Various reasons for leg cramps in cancer patients are –

• Drugs used in chemotherapy and immunotherapy
• Medicines for the treatment of loss of bones
• Tumors present in the muscles
• Hormonal drugs
• Radiation therapy on hips and legs
• Damage to the nerves of the legs
• Excess use of leg muscles
• Being inactive for a long time

Symptoms of leg cramps

• Pain and stiffness in lower limbs
• Not able to move the foot
• Pain in moving leg or foot
• Sleep disturbance due to leg cramps while sleeping 

Ways to manage leg cramps

Following measures can help ease leg cramps –

• Gently stretch your legs before going to bed
• Get a light massage
• Apply hot or cold compression o the legs. Your healthcare provider will suggest you the form of heat and cold to be applied
• Keep changing position while sleeping
• Avoid covering the legs with heavy blankets
• Take the prescribed medicines on time
• Try specific exercises that are beneficial for the management of leg cramps

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor in the following situations –

• Leg cramps with inflammation
• Pain in the arms, shoulder, back, jaws, etc and an increase in heart rate
• Leg cramps with no relief from all the possible methods mentioned above
• Leg cramps that may last beyond 6 hours
• No relief even after taking prescribed medicines

Your healthcare provider can help you to manage and prevent the symptoms of leg cramps. Medicines used as muscle relaxants works in mild to severe leg cramps.

About Mozocare

Mozocare is a medical access platform for hospitals and clinics to assist patients to access the best medical care at affordable prices. It offers medical information, medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, laboratory consumables, and other allied services.

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