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What Causes Cramps In The Lower Right Leg?
What could cause what my 90 year old mother describes as cramps in her right leg around the front of the knee and below the knee? Our family doctor thought it might be caused by donepezil. We reduced her to 5 mg for a two months and now have taken her completely off for a week, but she still has the cramps. It is always in the same place. She also complains in the morning that she has difficulty walking on this leg, but this seems to go away during the day. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Thu, 3 May 2018
Hello,
Sorry to know your mother's condition.
Leg cramps are a common and usually harmless condition where the muscles in your leg suddenly become tight and painful.
Leg cramps can occur for no apparent reason, known as idiopathic leg cramps, or as a symptom or complication of a health condition, known as secondary leg cramps. Secondary leg cramps may be due to exercise, some medications, and liver disease. A physical therapist will help her start some exercises.
In your mother's case, yes, donepezil may be the cause for her leg cramps. Most cases of leg cramps can be relieved by exercising the affected muscles. Exercising her legs during the day will often help reduce how often she gets cramping episodes. If her leg cramps persist after an episode of cramping, an over-the-counter painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help reduce the pain. You can also take her to a nearby primary care physician if cramps persist.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Prabhash Verma
Sorry to know your mother's condition.
Leg cramps are a common and usually harmless condition where the muscles in your leg suddenly become tight and painful.
Leg cramps can occur for no apparent reason, known as idiopathic leg cramps, or as a symptom or complication of a health condition, known as secondary leg cramps. Secondary leg cramps may be due to exercise, some medications, and liver disease. A physical therapist will help her start some exercises.
In your mother's case, yes, donepezil may be the cause for her leg cramps. Most cases of leg cramps can be relieved by exercising the affected muscles. Exercising her legs during the day will often help reduce how often she gets cramping episodes. If her leg cramps persist after an episode of cramping, an over-the-counter painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help reduce the pain. You can also take her to a nearby primary care physician if cramps persist.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Prabhash Verma
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