Severe nightime inner thigh cramps

[carmel]

I have been trying to figure out my inner thigh pain for years and as many of the posters here, feel like the doctors just blow me off.  I had a doplar ultrasound and all my veins looked fine so they feel they have done everything they are supposed to.  Since the pain only comes every 6-8 weeks, the doctors look at me like I am crazy to even complain.  When it come though, the pain is excruciating.  It wakes me out of a sound sleep and is not something I "can walk off".  I cannot stand on it at all.  The way I describe it is I feel like my thigh is a wet towel and someone is just wringing it out as tightly as they can with the center part being the epicenter of the pain.  I really have doubts about it being a potassium deficiency since the pain is exactly in the same spot every time.  I had it so severely one time on a cruise that I truly thought they were going to have to airlift me off the ship.  The pain lasts about 15 minutes and then is just gone but leaves me totally exhausted.  I am beginning to think a problem with a nerve could be the issue.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


This discussion is related to severe nightime inner thigh cramps.

[bigwindman]

A related discussion, Severe nightime inner thigh cramps was started.

[carmel]

Thank you so much for the posting.  It may sound crazy but it helps just knowing that this is some kind of REAL problem.  Let me know what the doctor says about the femoral nerve.  I appreciate the posting from doctornee with this suggestion.  I have gained some weight but as far as the tight clothes and belts - that I never do.  I like my clothes loose.  I also have had surgery on the knee in the same leg and probably need it again as I have arthritis in both knees and have an issue with the cartilage in both knees.  Good luck and let me know how your doctor's visit goes.  Carmel

[Debbiep409]

I so sympathise with you.  I have had this very same condition for many yaers - about 13yrs to be precise and I have passed out twice - really scarey.  My doctor just shrugs me off saying they don't really know the cause of cramps!! I explain that this could never be called cramp - which I admit is uncomfortable - this is something entirely different.  I have tried quinine, diazapan, hydration, iron, magnesium everything thats ever been suggested and nothing works.  I dread every night going to bed.  I am overweight, in my 50's and have bad knees awaiting operation to remove broken down cartledge. I do also have a back problem and am going to next ask about this 'lateral femoral nerve'. When the spasm strikes I have just as much pain in my hips as inner thighs and knees so you never know.  I will keep you posted.  It was such a comfort to read these postings as I thought I was the only one on the planet suffering this horrendous pain.  Thank you and take care  Debbie M

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Two possibilities should be investigated. One is superficial nerve compression- lateral femoral cutaneous nerve that comes from the hip area and gets pinched. This condition is called meralgia paresthetica and is often due to weight gain or wearing tight clothes and belts. Losing some weight or wearing loose clothes and belts often helps relieve the pain/numbness/tingling. Also injection of lignocaine (anesthetic agent) at the site helps. The other is a sleep disorder called restless leg syndrome. Take care!