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From my personal experience, I suspect a deficiency of calcium. About 20 years ago, I started waking up screaming, with severe cramps in my calves and sometimes even reaching up to my thighs. After several 3 am wake-ups like that, I recall reading in some paperback mystery, a character was taking large doses of calcium supplements to balance a chemical deficiency that caused nocturnal leg cramps. Since my wife and I are heavy milk drinkers, I thought nothing of it, at the time. However, since we had calcium supplements in our collection of vitamins etc., I thought I'd give it a try. It took about a week or so, for the calcium boost to work. Cramps eventually disappeared. However, if I neglected to take my daily calcium pill for a few days, cramps would come back. After about a year or so, I lazily stopped taking daily calcium supplements. No problem reappeared, UNTIL RECENTLY. Now I've started again, since I began getting painful toe and calf cramping, and, one time only, the fingers in one hand too. The supplemental calcium is working again, thank God. It's very strange because, between my wife and myself, we still drink about 10 quarts of milk a week. Yet I must have a different metabolism because she has never had this problem. We're both 69 years old. I can't complain because calcium pills are dirt cheap, and I accidentally discovered my own cure. Hope this helps you.

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16y ago

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What causes right hand to cramp?

Cramps are more likely the result of a mineral deficiency of the body. Try to add a couple of mineral tablets to your diet. On the other hand thyroid problems can also lead to this and you may need to talk with your doctor.


What deficiency causes muscle cramps?

Magnesium deficiency can cause muscle cramping. Potassium deficiency can, as well. These are minerals, not vitamins.


Also found in a milk y laxative what mineral helps prevent muscle spasms and leg cramps?

The mineral found in milk and laxatives that helps prevent muscle spasms and leg cramps is calcium. Calcium plays a crucial role in muscle contraction and relaxation, and a deficiency can lead to muscle cramps and spasms.


Why is your finger cramping?

There are a number of things that can cause cramps from mineral deficiency to certain glandular problems. If drinking a few sports drinks does not help you I would suggest you check with your doctor.


What vitamin is lacking when you are having cramps?

Most cramps have nothing to do with a dietary deficiency. When they are related to deficiency it is usually potassium and/ or magnesium (which are minerals - not vitamins). Fluid shifts, as occur after exercise and hot days, can also cause cramps.


What causes cramps to occur all over your body?

Cramps all over the body can be caused by dehydration, mineral deficiencies (such as potassium or magnesium), muscle fatigue, or certain medical conditions like fibromyalgia or electrolyte imbalances.


How does a deficiency in potassium contribute to the occurrence of muscle cramps?

A deficiency in potassium can lead to muscle cramps because potassium helps regulate muscle contractions. When potassium levels are low, it can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the muscles, causing them to contract and spasm involuntarily, resulting in muscle cramps.


How does potassium deficiency contribute to the occurrence of leg cramps?

Potassium deficiency can lead to leg cramps because potassium plays a crucial role in muscle function. When there is not enough potassium in the body, it can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the muscles, causing them to contract and spasm, leading to leg cramps.


Is cramping linked to potassium deficiency?

Cramping is definitely linked to potassium deficiency, in the fact that your muscles and bones are causing you to have your cramps. When you don't have enough potassium, it causes problems with your bones and muscles.


What are the symptoms of nocturnal myoclonus?

Nocturnal myoclonus, also known as nocturnal leg cramps, are characterized by sudden, involuntary contractions of leg muscles during sleep. Symptoms include intense pain, muscle tightening, and visible lumps or knots in the affected muscle. The cramps usually occur in the calf muscles and can lead to disrupted sleep.


What will happen if you are mineral deficient?

Mineral deficiency can lead to a range of health issues, depending on which minerals are lacking. Common consequences include weakened bones from calcium deficiency, anemia from insufficient iron, and impaired immune function due to low zinc levels. Symptoms may vary, including fatigue, muscle cramps, and increased susceptibility to illness. Long-term deficiencies can result in serious health complications if not addressed.


Can low iron cause leg cramps and swelling of legs?

Yes, low iron levels can contribute to leg cramps and swelling in the legs. Iron deficiency can lead to poor circulation and reduced oxygen delivery to muscles, which can result in cramping. Additionally, iron deficiency can impair the body's ability to maintain fluid balance, leading to swelling in the legs.