Brief Answer:
I would like you to answer a few of my questions.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing to Health Care Magic,

I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad, I have read your question closely and will try to answer it in best possible way.

In order to help you better, I would like you to answer some of my questions.

1- Is her throid level controlled after levothyroxin therapy? Does she comply to meds? And regularly follows up?

2- Has she any problem with sugar control?

3- Is she taking any calcium supplement along with vitamine D?

4- Any medication like muscle relaxants tried previously?

5- How is her lipid profile? Cholesterol etc?

6- Is she active or sadantary?

7- Does she get depressed much often?

waiting for your input.

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Brief Answer:
There can be number of causes in her case.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back and answering every question i posted,

Your answers were really helpful and in their light i will pt in front of number of causes which are possible in your mother's case, and will also suggest treatment strategy, which you can adopt in future.


Possible causes:

1- Thyroid problem: (if uncontrolled)

Muscle cramping can happen in both Hyper and Hypo thyroidism but in your mother's case it looks like hypothyroidism causing it. She needs to get her thyroid labs done and control thyroid parameters in a narrow range by adjusting doses of her meds, it will take time but in 2-3 months of controlled thyroid she will experience great improvement.

2- Low calcium levels:

Low calcium levels are very notorious in causing muscle cramping , that's why in clinical a set-up when some one complains of cramps we check patient's , potassium, calcium and magnesium levels. As you told she is not taking any calcium along with vitamin D.

I think she should talk to her doctor about starting calcium along with it , or you can start a complete cocktail of vitamins and minerals for better results, like she can use Centrum multi vitamin it contains magnesium , calcium and every other thing she might need with that you can stop her vitamin B tabs .

3- Obesity:

Obesity is also a cause of muscle cramping as with sedentary life style, muscles keep getting weaker because of low use and when ever they get stressed by weight they get cramped up. She should consider losing her weight this will be helpful in maintaining her health other than muscles as well. But here i want to mention one thing, in low thyroid levels a person may gain weight so first step is to maintain thyroid levels, along with weight loss efforts.


4- Claudication :

This is less possible cause in your mother's case but we can not over look it in an obese patient with blood pressure and cholesterol issues, this pain occurs when because of long standing cholesterol and high blood pressure, arteries going to muscles start getting spasms or get narrowed and muscles don't get enough supply specially when one exerts and works, this pain usually starts when one walks around or works but relieved when patient takes rest.

For this she should start controlling her cholesterol and BP with mild exercise with time her arteries will get better and muscles will get strong enough.


Treatment Strategy suggested.

1- Get thyroid checked and controlled with active effort and care.

2- Start effort to lose weight.

3- Start taking Centrum once a day, specially if you can gets hands on to Centrum for women it would be better.

4- Control of BP and cholesterol with diet and medication if doctor suggests.

5- Consult a Physio therapy expert in order to start light but more targeted exercises this will help her in better recovery.

END NOTE:

This might take 2-3 months to feel a big difference but if she stays consistent and follow life style and medical modifications she can get real better in a couple of months, she would also need motivation in this period and you need to keep her motivated.

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 !!

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