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I Am Experiencing Cramps That Started On The Soles Of
Posted on
Wed, 17 Apr 2019
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 17 Apr 2019
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : I am experiencing cramps that started on the soles of my feet, and they have remained there but, in addition, have moved up to both calves of my legs. It is difficult to walk.
Could a vitamin deficiency be causing this? I have had Burning Mouth Syndrome for over 8 years now. I went thru complete testing, and no underlying causes were found, other than stress & possibly radiation therapy for breast cancer when I was 35. I cannot process solid foods in my mouth. My throat closed up and it is painful to chew. I have not eaten any solid foods for 8 years and live on protein drinks and nonfat frozen yogurt.
These cramps are becoming worrisome. It's only been 24 hours, but they seem to be moving up my legs impeding my walking.
Thank you for any information you might be able to supply.
Could a vitamin deficiency be causing this? I have had Burning Mouth Syndrome for over 8 years now. I went thru complete testing, and no underlying causes were found, other than stress & possibly radiation therapy for breast cancer when I was 35. I cannot process solid foods in my mouth. My throat closed up and it is painful to chew. I have not eaten any solid foods for 8 years and live on protein drinks and nonfat frozen yogurt.
These cramps are becoming worrisome. It's only been 24 hours, but they seem to be moving up my legs impeding my walking.
Thank you for any information you might be able to supply.
Brief Answer:
Can be due to electrolyte abnormality.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The symptoms you have described are suggestive of muscle cramps. These are caused by hyper excitability of the nerves that stimulate the muscles. Cramps at rest are very common and may be experienced at any age, including childhood. Rest cramps often occur during the night. The cause of cramps is as following-
1. Low blood levels of either calcium or magnesium directly increase the excitability of both the nerve endings and the muscles they stimulate.
It can be due to dehydration, muscle fatigue or electrolyte abnormalities. It is better to drink sufficient fluid and also see that your intake of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium ) is sufficient. You can drink Oralyte for this.
2. On drugs which causes excessive urination. Leading to low calcium, Magnesium, potassium level. Drugs given for asthma, angina and Parkinsonism also lead to cramps. Cholesterol lowering drugs like statin also cause cramps on chronic use.
3. Several vitamin deficiency states may directly or indirectly lead to muscle cramps. These include deficiencies of thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6). Most cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. For many cramps of the feet and legs, this stretching can often be accomplished by standing up and walking around. Gently massaging the muscle will often help it to relax, as will applying warmth from a heating pad or hot soak. If the cramp is associated with fluid loss, as is often the case with vigorous physical activity, fluid and electrolyte (especially sodium and potassium) replacement is essential. Certain drugs like baclofen are helpful.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Can be due to electrolyte abnormality.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The symptoms you have described are suggestive of muscle cramps. These are caused by hyper excitability of the nerves that stimulate the muscles. Cramps at rest are very common and may be experienced at any age, including childhood. Rest cramps often occur during the night. The cause of cramps is as following-
1. Low blood levels of either calcium or magnesium directly increase the excitability of both the nerve endings and the muscles they stimulate.
It can be due to dehydration, muscle fatigue or electrolyte abnormalities. It is better to drink sufficient fluid and also see that your intake of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium ) is sufficient. You can drink Oralyte for this.
2. On drugs which causes excessive urination. Leading to low calcium, Magnesium, potassium level. Drugs given for asthma, angina and Parkinsonism also lead to cramps. Cholesterol lowering drugs like statin also cause cramps on chronic use.
3. Several vitamin deficiency states may directly or indirectly lead to muscle cramps. These include deficiencies of thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6). Most cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. For many cramps of the feet and legs, this stretching can often be accomplished by standing up and walking around. Gently massaging the muscle will often help it to relax, as will applying warmth from a heating pad or hot soak. If the cramp is associated with fluid loss, as is often the case with vigorous physical activity, fluid and electrolyte (especially sodium and potassium) replacement is essential. Certain drugs like baclofen are helpful.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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