What causes leg cramps and lumps at the back of leg?
Patient: An 89 year old lady was taking 20mg of diutric, one-half 5 mg of potassium a couple of months ago. She stayed in a nursing home in Kansas for 6 weeks and had to switch to a Kansas doctor. She is now home but is still taking the same diuetric but a whole potassium. She is experiencing leg cramps and the back of her legs feel very lumpy. What can I do at home to help her? Doctor: HiThanks for your queryBased on your query, my opinion is as follows.1. Leg cramps is mostly related to electrolyte imbalance mainly low potassium.2. Since she is already on potassium supplements, you can get serum potassium levels checked to see if she is getting right dose.3. Lumps and cramps in elderly may also be because of varicose veins, which is quite common with sedentary life style.4. If there are too many prominent veins, then she needs to get a Doppler study for varicose veins.5. You can try using elastic stockings to reduce the swelling and improve venous drainage. Foot raise will also allow to decrease the swelling.Hope this helpsRegards