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