LEG CRAMPS
Cramps are unpleasant, often painful sensations caused by contraction or over-shortening of muscles. Cramps can be caused by cold, overexertion or low calcium level in blood (especially for adolescents, who need calcium for both blood and bone maturing) though the most common reason is low sodium and potassium levels in blood accompanied by excessive dehydration. Muscle cramps may also be a symptom or complication of pregnancy, kidney disease, thyroid disease, hypokalemia or hypocalcemia, restless legs syndrome, varicose veins, and multiple sclerosis. Electrolyte disturbance may cause cramping and tetany of muscles, particularly hypokalemia (a low level of potassium) and hypocalcemia (a low level of calcium). This disturbance arises as the body loses large amounts of interstitial fluid through sweat. Iatrogenic causes
Statins are known to cause myalgia and cramps among other possible adverse reactions or side effects including substantially lowering blood glucose concentration. Additional factors increasing probability for these adverse side effects are physical exercise, age, female gender, history of cramps and hypothyroidism. Up to 80% of athletes using Statins suffer significant muscular adverse effects including cramps; the rate appears to be approximately 10-25% in typical population using Statins. In some cases these adverse effects will disappear after switching to a different Statin; however they should not be ignored if they persist as they can, in rare cases, develop into a more serious problem. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation can be helpful to avoid some Statin related adverse effects but currently there is not enough evidence to prove effectiveness in avoiding myopathy or myalgia.
(Sources: Br J Clin Pharmacol 57 (4): 525–8 / Wikipedia)
