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Suggest Treatment For Severe Leg Cramps In An Elderly Person With COPD

Posted on Tue, 22 Nov 2016

Question: I'm 81 and very physically sound except for Type ii Diabetes and COPD. I have cramps at nigh in my legs periodically and in my hands after doing modest efforts like playing my guitar or mountain dulcimer. Recently cramps in my arms.
The old timers talk about low potassium, but I'm stressed to find any vitamin that even quotes more than 12% MDR.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
your cramps could be due to deficiency of Calcium, vitamin D

Detailed Answer:
Hi welcome to HCM,

Your cramps could be due to deficiency of Calcium, vitamin D, statins (eg. Atrovastatin/Rosuvastatin etc.), or like you rightly said low sodium or potassium.

Please let me know if you are on statins and have got your Calcium, Vit-D, and electrolytes checked?

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (1 hour later)

Yes, I am on Atorvastatin's for cholesterol control. That has been under control for some time now. I still take a blood thinner after heart attacks and a pair of stents placed. Also daily medication for my Diabetes.
Recently began taking OTC meds to eliminate mucus build-up in my lungs and it has almost completely abated my nightly and daily excessive expectorating and sleep interruptions. Although I dislike the OTC meds but no generics seem available without the syrupy aftertaste.
I've purchase vitamins with supplements to test the low sodium and potassium and will keep those in my daily regimen to see if that helps.
Those who hear my music thank you for you recommendations. Here is hoping for a little magic in those summations. JI

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi, happy to be of help. Let me try to add a little more magic.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, happy to be of help. Let me try to add a little more magic. Co enzyme Q-10 is a supplement that if taken with Atorvastatin will prevent muscle cramps due to it. L carnitine is another that can be tried. I am sure one of these will help. Also please remember to do your serum potassium and serum sodium. Wishing you many more years of playing music for others. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (17 hours later)

Is Co enzyme Q10 an over the counter supplement? The serum pot and serum sodium are these available w/o prescriptions?

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Co enzyme Q-10 is an OTC preparation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

yes Co enzyme Q-10 is an OTC preparation. Please try whether the lab will do 'Serum electrolytes' without a prescription.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj