Suggest Remedy For Foot And Leg Cramps In An Elderly Person

Posted on Mon, 11 Jan 2016

Question: Hi, I am a 76 year old female. I look and act much younger. I am having trouble with leg and foot cramps. I have been trying to drink more water the last 4 days and it seems like the cramps are worse. I didn't think it was supposed to work that way. I am drinking more water as I am having some kidney issues. I went to a movie today with my husband and drank a bottle of water. I did also have a little of his popcorn. I had a very bad cramp in my leg after the movie and we had to come home. It went away much easier than normally they do but WHY did it happen at all? What are the mot common causes of leg and foot cramps?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Alokkalyani (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
idiopathic

Detailed Answer:
Hi
There are many causes of cramps, but in most of the cases, cause are not established (ie idiopathic).
but other causes are - electrolytic imbalance, kidney problem, neuropathy, diabetes, thyroid diseases, alcoholism etc
I advice you to do simple things first - calf muscles strengthening exercise, massage, putting ice, warm bath, jiggling legs etc. most people get better with these.
I advice you to see a physician if it is not relieved by some time even with exercise. There are many medicine available which can work in different ways like - high doses of vitamin B and E. diltiazime etc

hope this will help

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina