Question: I’m a woman who is 58 and I often wake up with horrible cramps in my feet. They are so severe that they often leave the muscles in my feet sore afterward. How can I prevent this? Could the cramps be a sign of a serious problem?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age. Most of the time, they occur for no known reason, and are harmless. However, in rare situations, night leg cramps can be associated with an underlying disorder, such as peripheral artery disease or diabetes. Other medical conditions are also associated with leg or thigh, or feet cramps. An underactive thyroid gland, dehydration, and consuming large amounts of alcohol are common causes. If you are taking diuretics, you may also suffer from these cramps. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if it is continuous, to see the exact cause of your condition.