Question

What is causing my nocturnal leg cramps?

NOCTURNAL L E G CRAMPS

I have been experiencing foot and leg spasms (charley horses) at night. I’m 63 and exercise regularly, about five times a week. I lift weights and use a glider two to three times a week and jog five to eight miles on the other days. I started the South Beach Diet in early February and have since lost 25 pounds. I drink water, coffee, tea or diet drinks during the day and sometimes milk or wine in the evening. I take a senior multivitamin, a calcium supplement, plus vitamins E, C, B6 and B12 (my mother had troubles due to B vitamin deficiencies). Any advice about the spasms would be greatly appreciated.

Nicholas J. Wirt, Boca Raton, FL