Suggest Treatment For Persistent Upper Leg Cramps While Under Stress

Posted on Sat, 17 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 17 Dec 2016 Answered on

Sat, 7 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 63 year old female who is generally in good health. I have been under a crazy amount of stress recently in the last two weeks and several days ago I noticed a cramp like feeling in my upper left leg that wont go away . It makes it difficult to walk . I also noticed a pain in my right arm when I went to brush my teeth and comb my hair . This morning I went to the gym for just a tiny warm up to work out the cramp in my leg. My body felt a little bit better but now I just experienced a sudden nose bleed while i was laughing.
What do you think is happening to me?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I don't think that the cramps in the left leg and right arm and nose-bleeding are related to each other.

Have you measured your blood pressure?

Nose bleeding is a common sign of uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Regarding the cramps in your left leg and the pain in your right arm, they could be related to an electrolyte imbalance, vitamin D deficiency. High levels of uric acid could also trigger this symptomatology. The fact that your symptoms improved by physical activity, indicates a possible musculo-skeletal issue underlying this symptomatology.

I would recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure values.

A careful physical exam coupled with some tests is necessary to investigate for the possible underlying causes:

- a resting ECG
- a chest X ray study
- blood electrolytes
- vitamin D plasma levels
- uric acid plasma levels
- kidney and liver function tests.
- inflammation tests (PCR, ESR).

You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar