Hand, leg cramps have many causes

May 11, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 78-year-old male with a problem I hope you can assist with. My hands and legs cramp. None of the doctors I’ve seen have any answers for me, so I hope you can help.

DEAR READER: Feet and hands can cramp for a number of reasons. You may have reduced levels of specific nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium or vitamin D in your body. You may be dehydrated from working or exercising excessively without remembering to keep your fluid levels up. Then, you may have known (or unknown) kidney failure, hypothyroid, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. Some medications can include cramping as an unwanted side effect.

I recommend that you speak with your physician who can order some simple laboratory testing, review your medications, and get you back on track.

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Medication may be cause of cramps

December 10, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: On an almost daily basis, I have muscle cramps in my hands, fingers, legs, feet and toes. They occur during the day and night.

I take 25 milligrams of HydroDiuril and two 595-milligram doses of over-the-counter potassium gluconate. I drink several glasses of water a day plus water with my meals. Is there anything else that I can do to relieve these cramps?

DEAR READER: HydroDiuril is simply hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a common medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It can cause muscle and joint pain and a reduction of potassium, which can cause cramping, but you are on supplements to avoid the common side effects. [Read more...]

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