Is this sound medical advice, or just a bunch of the same old typical useless crapola from American doctors?

Question

I had extreme muscle cramping in my foot and other leg in the middle of the night, even though I had eaten a banana in the evening. I felt like screaming out in pain. I've had bad muscle cramps before, but nothing this severe. Then later this morning after a meeting both legs cramped up around my knees when I went to stand up, even though I had taken calcium, potassium and magnesium supplements a few hour before. (Embarrassing and quite painful!)

My doctor is out today, but the one "on call" had her nurse call me back recommending that I apply "warm compresses?" Wouldn't they at least be interested in my electrolyte levels?

(I am not taking anti-cholesterol meds except for niaspan.)

Right, though I worked very hard yesterday washing walls and the ceiling as prep for painting, I doubt I was dehydrated as I drank a lot of water throughout the day.

Answer 1

It is NOT sound medical advice, but who really expects that these days? Sorry to be so cynical, but perhaps they don't know what "electrolyte levels" mean. Until your PCP is available, (if you trust him), do some research on medical websites. We have to take FULL responsibility for ourselves currently. I had extremely painful leg muscle cramping some time ago, & my doctor prescribed--if I can remember--sodium chlorlide? (sp) The PHARMACIST warned me that whatever the h--- it was, had been known to be fatal. I wasn't as on top of things as I am now, didn't take the medication or ask for any testing, & fortunately--the cramping just went away. I don't know your age, but you might also demand an ultrasound for possible PAD. You need to be well informed, & TELL your doctor what you want, so you can rule out a possibly serious condition that needs immediate attention. I have some real horror tales before I learned to inform MYSELF. (Some doctors hate it when you know what you're talking about!) Press forward & good luck..

Answer 2

Yeah, it sounds a little hokey!

Qoute:
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Muscle cramps
Definition

Muscle cramps are involuntary and often painful contractions (movements) of the muscles.
Alternative Names
Cramps - muscle
Considerations

Muscle cramps are common and may be stopped by stretching the muscle. The cramping muscle may feel hard or bulging.

Muscle spasms are different than muscle twitches, which are covered in a separate article.
Causes

Muscle spasms can cause cramps and are usually brought on by the following:

* Muscle fatigue
* Heavy exercise
* Dehydration
* Pregnancy
* Hypothyroidism
* Reduced levels of magnesium or calcium in the body
* Other metabolic problems
* Alcoholism
* Kidney failure
* Medications

Home Care

Slow stretching often brings relief. If muscle cramps continue, see your doctor.
When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor if your muscle cramps are severe, last a long time, or keep coming back and do not go away with simple stretching.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history, such as:

* When did the spasms first begin?
* How long do they last?
* How often do you experience muscle spasms?
* What muscles are affected?
* Is it always the same location?
* Are you pregnant?
* Have you been vomiting, had diarrhea, excessive sweating, excessive urine volume, or other possible cause of dehydration?
* What medications do you take?
* Have you been exercising heavily?
* Have you been drinking alcohol heavily?

Tests that may be done include:

* Blood tests for disorders of the following:
o Calcium, potassium, or magnesium metabolism
o Thyroid function
o Kidney function
* Pregnancy test
* Electromyography
* Myelography

Pain relievers (analgesics) may be prescribed.

Answer 3

The other question I'd ask is how much water are you drinking? (coffee, alcohol, tea, and soda - anything with caffeine - does not count!) Dehydration can cause muscle cramps.

I had awful leg cramps when I broke my foot last summer (my calf muscle was so tight you could bounce a quarter off of it!) and the ONLY thing that helped was mixing a couple of ounces of Gatorade or Powerade into a glass of water once a day....

Answer 4

Most medical professionals wish fee up entrance or evidence of coverage. How do you could have steady care with a fake title? would possibly paintings for a bloodless one time consult with. while a store lifter steals the store provides to the fee for the customer, while a healthcare professional or clinic aren't paid the fee of wellbeing care is going up for those who have ins or simply pay.

Answer 5

You're not drinking enough water.
Gatorade is best.