Question: I get cramps in my heels at night, and my legs feel tight. Do I have a problem with blood circulation?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Nocturnal cramps in your feet and legs may indeed be circulatory, or perhaps you have an electrolyte or mineral imbalance that is easily detected with simple testing.

You need to be sure you do not have a venous clot causing thrombosis called a DVT (short for deep vein thrombosis). Patients with DVT run an increased risk of pulmonary embolism and sudden death. The condition is very easy to treat and prevent rather than to deal with its sometimes life-threatening complications.

Perhaps a foot or ankle problem is causing discomfort, or perhaps your footwear is causing problems. Some endocrine conditions will produce cramping and discomfort, as will some heart, blood vessel, lung, and liver conditions.

Don't try to self-diagnose. Instead, visit your doctor to for an examination to determine the cause of your cramps.