My grandmother has foot cramps at night, and her toes go numb and the foot draws in. Please suggest some natural cures?



Foot cramps can be caused by a number of different factors, and it will probably be a good idea for your grandmother to visit a doctor for this problem. Her age makes her susceptible to a wider range of conditions than a younger person, and this makes diagnosis still more difficult.

Poor blood circulation is sometimes the reason for foot cramping, and this is why it tends to occur at night, when the body is at rest. At this time, circulation of blood in the extremities tends to reduce, and the tissues in these areas do not receive the oxygen they need. As a result, they start to go numb and tingle. The cause of the poor circulation is something only the patient's doctor will be able to determine. He or she will be aware of your grandmother's medical history and the current state of her health, and will therefore be able to identify the cause and suggest a course of action. low blood pressure is one possible factor that is affecting her blood circulation. This in turn may simply be due to a minor problem, such as inadequate intake of food, or mild dehydration, but it could also be something more serious. Till the underlying problem is addressed however, the foot cramps are bound to continue. In the meanwhile, your grandmother can try elevating her feet at night - this might help prevent the pooling of blood in the legs.

While on the topic of diet, you should also note that certain mineral deficiencies can also cause foot cramps. A potassium deficiency is probably the most common deficiency to cause foot cramps, but others are also possible. You need to ensure that your grandmother has a healthy balanced diet. However, it is difficult to say exactly what her diet needs to be, as there are probably health conditions that need to be taken into account.

However, probably the most likely culprit is diabetes. If your grandmother has already been diagnosed with diabetes, then this is the first thing you need to look into. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that commonly affects diabetics, and involves nerve damage as a result of inhibited blood flow and certain chemical processes. There are treatments aimed specifically at preventing diabetic neuropathy, but these have side effects and are not particularly effective. The only effective treatment is to control the patient's blood glucose levels more strictly through a combination of diet and medication.

answered by G M

The frequency and severity of cramps in the foot and toes is highest among sports persons and the aged. Feet having to bear the maximum weight, foot cramps are the most common of all muscle spasms that affect the body. Foot cramps are jerky and non-voluntary spasms that affect the muscles extending and the effects could last from just a couple of minutes to even a few days occasionally. The accompanying pain is caused because the muscle contracts without effectively shortening. Such spasms can leave the muscles sore well after the pain has subsided. Leg and foot cramps are a fairly common feature of the aging process and are related to reduced activity. Muscle fatigue could also be a cause and occurs when there is an inadequate blood supply to the muscles.

The problem of cramps can be addressed quite easily. Moderate and regular activity and stretching the muscles prior to sleep reduces the chances of cramps occurring during the night. Exercise that stretch and strengthen the muscles will also help a lot. Certain medications are believed to increase the likelihood of cramps and alcohol, sugar and caffeine also contribute, so they are best avoided.

Increasing your consumption of calcium can significantly help with the problem. Magnesium citrate can also be used or add later. Magnesium can cause loose stools and so it would be best to start increasing the measure gradually tweaking and adjusting proportions to suit your bowel tolerance. Nuts, whole grains, soybeans and apricots are rich sources of magnesium. Try to eliminate sugar and caffeine from your diet. Caffeine disrupts and hampers your body's absorption of calcium. Another remedy that works very well is to soak the affected foot or feet in warm or hot water just before bed time. A heating pad could also be used as an alternative.

answered by M W


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