What should be done when elderly people experience leg cramps?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Leg cramps in the elderly may be caused by muscle fatigue, cold stimulation, varicose veins in the lower limbs, Parkinson's disease, lumbar disc herniation, or other reasons. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, consume more foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, engage in moderate exercise to promote blood circulation, and avoid maintaining the same posture for long periods or excessive fatigue.
In general, muscle cramps refer to muscle spasms. Leg muscle cramps in the elderly may be caused by factors such as cold stimulation, muscle fatigue, lower extremity varicose veins, lumbar disc herniation, or Parkinson's disease. When experiencing the above conditions, it is recommended to visit a正规 hospital for proper evaluation and treatment under the guidance of a physician, including general management and medication. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Cold stimulation
When legs are exposed to cold environments, muscles may contract due to cooling, slowing blood circulation and potentially causing sudden leg muscle spasms. It is important in daily life to dress warmly and protect the legs from cold exposure.
2. Muscle fatigue
Prolonged standing, walking, or intense physical activity can overwork leg muscles, leading to fatigue and lactic acid buildup, which may trigger sudden, severe muscle contractions at night or during rest. Adequate rest should be given to the legs, and strenuous exercise should be avoided.
3. Lower extremity varicose veins
Improper exercise posture, strain, and other factors may lead to lower extremity varicose veins, resulting in venous valve insufficiency, impaired blood return, and venous hypertension, which can cause leg muscle cramps in the elderly. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as numbness and weakness. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as diosmin tablets, mastic flavonoids tablets, or calcium dobesilate capsules.
4. Lumbar disc herniation
Lumbar disc herniation may result from external pressure or age-related factors, causing degeneration and protrusion of intervertebral discs that compress nerve roots, disrupting nerve conduction in the lower limbs and leading to the aforementioned symptoms. It may be accompanied by back pain and muscle weakness. Patients should follow medical instructions to use medications such as dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, Gentongping granules, or mannitol injection.
5. Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease, possibly triggered by psychological stress or environmental changes, is a neurodegenerative disorder that may impair muscle control and coordination, leading to the symptoms described. It is typically accompanied by tremors and bradykinesia. Patients may take medications such as levodopa tablets, amantadine hydrochloride tablets, or benserazide-levodopa tablets under medical supervision to improve symptoms.
In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, engaging in moderate physical activity to promote blood circulation, avoiding prolonged static postures or excessive fatigue, and paying attention to warmth—especially protecting the legs during cold seasons—are essential measures to prevent leg muscle cramps.
