Leg cramps must be a lack of calcium?

  Patients often come to the clinic with leg cramps. Many of them think they are calcium deficient, but the effect of long-term heavy calcium supplements is not obvious. After examination, it is found that most of them are not calcium deficient or only mildly calcium deficient, while many have varying degrees of arteriosclerosis of the limbs and insufficient blood supply to the lower extremities.  Lower extremity atherosclerosis-occlusive disease is associated with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, genetics and other factors. In the early stage of the lesion, plasma lipoprotein deposition in the intima of the artery produces fatty streaks, intimal hyperplasia and atheromatous plaque formation, eventually forming arterial stenosis or obstruction. The lesion progresses slowly in the early stage, and there may be no obvious symptoms. As the disease progresses, limb ischemia may develop. In addition, atherosclerosis is also the underlying cause of coronary heart disease and stroke.  The early manifestations of the disease include coldness, numbness and pain in the affected limbs. If occlusion of the iliac artery occurs, there is weakness and pain throughout the buttocks and lower extremities after walking. If the symptoms occur in the lower leg, it suggests a possible occlusion of the femoral artery. As the disease progresses, the ischemia of the affected limb worsens, and persistent pain in the lower limb may occur even in a quiet state. The blood supply to the affected limb is reduced, and with the naked eye, one can see pale skin tone, thinning of the skin, muscle atrophy, and thickened and deformed toenails on the toes, feet or lower legs. The temperature of the hand is reduced to the touch, and the dorsalis pedis artery cannot be felt. In severe ischemia can be seen as ulcers and gangrene in the lower extremities.  Patients with arteriosclerosis occlusive disease should have a low salt and low fat diet and eat more foods rich in vitamins, such as coarse grains, fresh vegetables, beans and fruits. Perform appropriate physical exercise. It is emphasized by the following: Quit smoking is helpful to prevent and treat blood vessel stenosis.