Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate: Dr. Cynthia Speaks

One of the many elements and situations that older adults face is cramps. They can occur in the hands, calves, thighs, fingers, and toes, and boy, they hurt! They have known to wake you up from a deep sleep. Many have used the term “Charley Horse” to describe them. Whatever you call them, they are painful and how to get them to stop is the topic of discussion.

Cramps can occur at any time, day or night. There have been theories of why they occur. Some causes in older adults include medications, electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, neuromuscular disorders, and sitting in uncomfortable positions. If any of these causes are suspected, please seek medical attention. One known medication that has been identified for causing cramps is the water pill(diuretics). An electrolyte imbalance that causes cramps is (hypokalemia)low potassium. Potassium is often lost when our loved ones are on diuretics. Other symptoms of hypokalemia include fatigue, constipation, and sometimes arrhythmias( abnormal heartbeats).

If your loved ones are being treated for hypertension, heart failure, or lower extremity swelling, please pay attention to the potential for cramping. If your loved ones are nonverbal, pay attention to facial grimacing or raising and lowering of the shoulders(often a movement of trying to get comfortable)and fingers or toes that appear distorted.

What Can Help Cramps

Changing positions is one way to relax the body. Drink when you feel thirsty, and eating an array of fruits and vegetables is helpful. Gently holding stretches and bending help, but do it very gently when straightening the limb. If your loved one can walk around, do so. Sometimes heat packs or cold packs can help, but for any persistent cramping, medical attention must happen, especially if the cramps are the outcome of medications. My favorite, a therapeutic massage, will always do the body good. As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, taking care of our loved ones involves a holistic approach, always! Be well. Stay safe!

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