Lactose intolerance and leg cramps -- especially nighttime leg cramps -- are two irritating conditions that you become more likely to experience as you age. Even though they can seem to be related because of when you develop them, there's no connection between the two.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the result of your body producing insufficient lactase, the enzyme your small intestine uses to break down milk sugar. This condition can affect anyone, but it's most common in older adults, as your body naturally starts producing less lactase as you age, the Mayo Clinic website explains. Symptoms include digestive upset -- gas, cramping, bloating and diarrhea -- upon consumption of dairy products due to bacteria breaking down the undigested lactose.
Leg Cramps
It's often difficult or impossible to determine the exact cause of leg cramps, especially night cramps. If you start getting them all of a sudden, changes in activity or footwear might be to blame. Generally, though, they start gradually and are more likely the older you are. Causes can include diabetes, medications or thyroid problems, Mayo Clinic explains. Pregnant women can also get leg cramps, especially in their second and third trimesters.
Relationship
Because some pregnant women experience both digestive trouble -- though not true lactose intolerance, unless they were lactose intolerant before pregnancy -- and leg cramps, they often assume the two are related. Similarly, aging adults who experience both conditions, though their temporal proximity is mere coincidence, might be tempted to think one causes the other. There's no scientific link between the two, nor is there any single condition likely to cause both.
Solutions
If you have lactose intolerance, you can avoid dairy or use lactose-free dairy products. Alternately, you can take a lactase supplement, which temporarily allows you to digest lactose. Because the origin of leg cramps is more complicated, you should see your doctor if you're bothered by them. Your physician can help you determine the cause and also help you determine a reasonable course of action for relieving or preventing symptoms.
