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Suggest Treatment For Leg Cramps And Shortness Of Breath

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Posted on Fri, 19 May 2017
Question: My dad he's having leg cramps in left calf and his foot is swollen, we were just at the emergency room on 4/19/17 and they checked him for his heart and for blood clots and everything was fine there he did have pneumonia which has cleared up , he was checked again on Monday 4/ 2417 and was doing better but now he's having a leg cramp again like I said his foot is swollen now but he is not having any shortness of breath , they did another X-ray on Monday and lungs were much better than the X-ray from the 17th . He is 67 years old and did have a heart attack in 2000, but like I said the X-ray , Ct scan, and scan they did for blood close on the 17th were fine. He also says he feels fine excepts for the cramps and his foots is numb because it is swollen
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Venous insufficiency

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I understand your concern. The leg swelling is caused by fluid build up. When the vein walls or valves do not work properly, blood is unable to return to the heart and oozes through the walls of the veins into the surrounding tissues causing a swelling. Too much fluid build up can lead to cramping and pain.
The opposite may also be the cause. Leg cramps, which are usually caused by low potassium, low calcium, or dehydration, can squeeze dhe leg veins and prevent the blood from returning to the heart leading to swelling.
I recommend you take your father to a doctor and do blood tests to determine the electrolytes level and an ultrasound of the leg blood vessels.
I hope this answers your question.
If you have any more questions I'd be happy to help.
All the best

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Ornela Ademovi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 725 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Leg Cramps And Shortness Of Breath

Brief Answer: Venous insufficiency Detailed Answer: Hello I understand your concern. The leg swelling is caused by fluid build up. When the vein walls or valves do not work properly, blood is unable to return to the heart and oozes through the walls of the veins into the surrounding tissues causing a swelling. Too much fluid build up can lead to cramping and pain. The opposite may also be the cause. Leg cramps, which are usually caused by low potassium, low calcium, or dehydration, can squeeze dhe leg veins and prevent the blood from returning to the heart leading to swelling. I recommend you take your father to a doctor and do blood tests to determine the electrolytes level and an ultrasound of the leg blood vessels. I hope this answers your question. If you have any more questions I'd be happy to help. All the best