“I have muscle spasms?”
At night in bed, I have muscle cramps in my legs, toes, and feet. Sometimes I have to get up and walk them out. Sometimes no matter how I turn they are there. I have to lay very still. It's like they are waiting for me to move. I am 82 years old and in pretty good health otherwise. I mow my lawn and walk in good weather. I would appreciate your advice. By the way, a few years ago my family doctor recommended that I drink tonic water. It may have helped but the water gave me a very bad breath.
Male | 82 years old
Complaint duration: years
Medications: none
Conditions: muscle cramps
2 Answers
Pickle juice? Gatorade? Bananas?
Good day!
Cramps occur for many reasons. Most common in someone of your age is muscle spasm, mineral/ electrolyte deficiency and finally vascular reasons. So, assuming you are relatively healthy, regular stretching and not overdoing it should assist you. Good diet with appropriate nutrients (magnesium, zinc, etc.) is important. Have vitamins and mineral levels checked. Finally, vascular. Make sure you do not have atherosclerosis in lower extremity vessels. Discuss your problem with your PCP and work through the possibilities.
Good luck! Make sure you are doing daily stretching.
Cramps occur for many reasons. Most common in someone of your age is muscle spasm, mineral/ electrolyte deficiency and finally vascular reasons. So, assuming you are relatively healthy, regular stretching and not overdoing it should assist you. Good diet with appropriate nutrients (magnesium, zinc, etc.) is important. Have vitamins and mineral levels checked. Finally, vascular. Make sure you do not have atherosclerosis in lower extremity vessels. Discuss your problem with your PCP and work through the possibilities.
Good luck! Make sure you are doing daily stretching.
