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What Causes Muscle Cramps Around Knees?

Posted on Mon, 10 Nov 2014

Question: Hi, again, Dr. XXXXXXX I just received my own MRI report on my right knee. Since doing the only MRI last week for discomfort and difficulty on the stairs I began having cramps/spasm around my knee area for a couple of minutes whenever standing from a seated position. I stretch and move my whole leg and it goes away until the next time I am seated. This is strange and only began in the last week! Of course it is very annoying too.
What do you make of the various issues in this report, how will weight loss alleviate the symptoms, and what is likely for my future? I realize "everybody" has had these problems, including my own near relatives, mother, brother, grandmother, aunt, uncle, etc. etc. Thank you.

And then again, my other knee is a bit sore, but nothing like the right knee. I also wonder whether the right knee issue has caused the small electric shocks on my foot and occasional heel/ankle spasms when standing from a chair.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cramps are most likely due to muscle fatigue .

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,

Thanks for your query again.

I have gone through the MRI report attached. These shows degenerative wear and tear of joint causing your symptoms.
Being overweight or obese increases the stress on your weight-bearing joints, such as your knees and your hips. Even a small amount of weight loss can relieve some pressure and reduce your pain.

These cramps/spasm around your knee,heel/ankle area is most likely due to muscle fatigue and associated muscle spasm. During prolonged sitting muscles get into spasm and you feel these cramps/ spasm on standing from a chair.

Doing physiotherapy and stretching exercises will be helpful to relieve the symptoms.

Running and jumping will often accelerate cartilage loss from the joint. So instead of running, focus on low impact activities, such as swimming or cycling. This will also help you in reducing your weight.

Continue doing physio exercises. Exercise can strengthen your muscles, which can help keep your joints more stable, and the stronger muscles help to absorb energy and protect the joint surface.

Warm regards..

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

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (7 minutes later)

Thank you, Dr. XXXXXXX Given the fact of my surgery on the posterior tibial transfer 50 years ago, affecting my gait and mobility of my foot, will therapy significantly improve the patella maltracking, spasms, threats of bursitis, arthritis, lesions, etc.??

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Physiotherapy will be helpful.

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir,

Physiotherapy will definitively improve your symptoms. But later you might require surgical intervention.

I suggest you to avoid climbing stairs,sitting on floor as far as possible.

Wishing you speedy recovery.....

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

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