Frequent Leg Cramps: Top 3 Causes in the Elderly Population

Frequent leg cramps are a common part of aging but may be indicative of a far greater health complication. If you are caring for an older adult who has complications with falls and frequent leg cramps, it is important to consider the three top reasons the onset of frequent leg cramps occur - neurological, muscular, and based on metabolic disorders.

Beyond contributing to falls that can lead to non-healing fractures and bone breaks, the development of frequent leg cramps can be quite painful. This type of pain, when not resolved and prevented, can lead to debilitating movement and a decrease in the quality of life for the individual who has the complication.

In terms of metabolic disorders, there is a risk for developing frequent leg cramps in response to complications associated with thyroid disorders or diabetes. Because abnormal metabolism, and improper electrolyte balance, adversely affects the health of the muscles, these can lead to frequent leg cramps. If your loved one has a history of any type of endocrinology complication, or a complication involving poor hormone and nutritional imbalance, it is important to consider this first as a viable issue causing frequent leg cramps. Sometimes the frequent leg cramps can be associated with the use of a product, such as a homemade skin bleach, for which an adverse reaction has occurred.

Neurologically, older adults can develop frequent leg cramps especially in response to a pinched nerve or a muscle strain. Because muscles weaken with aging, the cramps may develop from over use and may be experiencing cramps and spasms due to a nerve that has been adversely affected. If there is a common complaint of pain in and around the region where the leg cramps occur, then a neurological evaluation may be prudent.

And finally, and probably the most common reason, older adults may develop frequent muscle cramps in response to the development of muscle strain, muscle tear or other muscular disorders, including multiple sclerosis or other degenerative disorders. If there is a family history of any type of progressive muscle disease, be sure to consider this as a viable option to the frequent muscle cramps. In doing so, you can often determine what is causing the health complication without requiring too many healthcare tests or doctor's appointments.

Sources: Peripheral Nerve and Muscle Disease, by Jeffrey Cohen