What causes cramps in toes and pain in leg?

Posted on Thu, 12 May 2016

Question: my wife when she was a kid has had this problem where her toe fingers would cramp up and cross each other in winters.she would need some help to correct this.10 years back She was bed ridden for 25 days in a hospital.after that we observed she would have pain in one leg and specaily her calf.it would become like a rock.she would feel as if one vein is being pulled,cramps in the veins.though this has not reoccur ed since 1 year.but I was reading about dvt.hope this is not that.what test would you suggest and how do we go about it.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Less likely to be DVT , get investigated as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
This cramping may be due to electrolyte imbalance, hypocalcemia or hypokalemia.
Is there any such complains in upper limbs, any seizure, joint swelling, swelling in lower limbs.
Deep venous sinus thrombosis presents with swelling, tightness, redness of lower limbs with severe pain on moving foot.
What was the cause for her hospitalisation?
Any other medical illness like , diabetes, hypertension, joint diseases ?
Any other medications being taken?
You can get investigated for serum calcium, potassium, vitamin D , prothrombin time, INR, CPK -MM.
For treatment she can start with pregabalin and multivitamins.take plenty of fluids and fruits.
Examination by a physician or a neurologist may be helpful.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN specialist

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

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (29 hours later)

She had some wrist pain on her right hand.she could not lift anything heavy as she had pain there.but after vitamin d it became fine.she has never had any seizure joint swelling swelling in Lower limbs.she has never had swelling or redness or pain moving her foot.only the tightness/cramps on her left calf.she was hospitalised because she had hep b (fhf) liver failure.she has never had any other problem.she is a minor thallasemic.will get the tests as you suggested.thanks.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take medications as advised and get investigated

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
She can get investigated as advised and start medications.
Is there any drugs for hepatitis B also and what is the stage?
Any complications regarding hepatitis B?
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN specialist

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