Suggest remedy for leg cramps in an elderly person

Posted on Mon, 7 Dec 2015

Question: Mother is 91. She gets leg cramps at night when lying down. Only at night. not overweight. These are primarily in the calf area. Not "restless legs".what can help

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please see details

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank You for contacting HCM. My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. Following measures will help in reducing the cramps;

- acetaminophen twice a day for 5 days.
- take hot water in a rubber bottle and put it at the site of cramps. It will give soothing effect.
- ask some family member to do oil massage on her leg. It will also give soothing effect.

Hopefully she will improvement in 2-3 days BUT if condition remains same or aggravates then she needs to visit hospital for further workup.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (58 minutes later)

Dr what would cause these? Is it a fluid imbalance or electrolyte issue?

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Electrolytes & muscular spasm

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for the followup query.

There could be a number of causes. Most common include muscular spasm & electrolytes imbalance (specifically serum calcium levels).

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar