Leg cramps become more likely as we age

By Santa Ynez Valley Star Staff · Tue Mar 17 2020

By James Riley

Contributing Writer

Have you ever been awoken by a “Charley Horse,” those painful, intense muscle spasms that cause cramping in your legs or feet?

Most seniors have experienced the unpleasant event as night-time leg and foot cramps, which are more common as we age. Such cramps are associated with many chronic diseases, frequently prescribed medications and lifestyle habits.

Cramps are usually short duration episodes of moderate to intense pain caused by sudden, involuntary contractions of muscle fibers. Nocturnal leg cramps involving calf muscles or small muscles of the foot are, unfortunately, more common as we age.

One large study indicated that one-third of those 60 years and older experienced cramps within the previous two months, including 50 percent of those 80 and older. Some 40 percent of the total sample experienced cramps more than three times weekly.

Although cramping is usually considered a benign and transient problem, it may cause intense pain.

Cramping may be caused by a number of factors such as age, dehydration, medications, electrolyte depletion, and poor circulation.