What can cause an elderly leg pain in the middle of the night?
Recently, my mom has been awaken up by excruciating pain in her legs in the middle of the night. For the last week or so, at around 2 am or 3 am, she would wake up because of her leg pain. She is in her late 80s and she has dementia. She lies in bed all day long and does not eat much these days. She doesn't have much mobility. I need to help her walk every time she gets out of bed. During the day, her legs seem fine for the most part. But during the night, needle-poking type of pain occurs in her thighs and knees. She has been diagnosed with PAD (peripheral artery disease) before but she would only get pain when walking. Now the pain comes when she is sleeping at night. Her feet are not swollen so blood circulation is probably fine. She has osteoporosis but I didn't think it would cause pain. Has anyone have any experience in this area with their parents? Thanks
Nightly leg pain can be caused by low potassium levels which in turn lead to leg cramping. My dad’s doctor told him to eat bananas. Your mom’s lack of mobility can also cause leg pain because her muscles are atrophying. Try ask g her doctor about physical therapy. The therapist can teach you exercises to do with her if that’s feasible. These wouldn’t involve walking and can be done in bed.
She may also have joint/ligament issues. There are pillows she can use to position herself to ease pressure on what’s hurting.
The shooting pain comes more often now... 1-2 times during the day and 1-2 times during the night. They are sharp needle like pain and are unbearable. They stay for a couple of hours and then they are completely gone. Doctor has prescribed Tramadol which makes her go to sleep and doesn't really help much with the pain.
So, it's not cramps, it's not blood clot, it's not restless leg, it's not fibromyalgia, it's not PAD. At least that's what the doctor said. Anyone has any experience on this and suggestions as to how we can reduce the pain. Thanks a bunch!
If her leg leg gets swollen very quickly where there is a definite color change (often dusky Blue), the area is warm to touch and painful those are signs of a blood clot and needs immediate attention (call 911).
In the not so old days leg cramps were treated with quinine water or quinine pills which were successful. That and electrolyte replacement ( as someone stated Potassium pills worked for someone she/he knew). But then not knowing the entire diagnosis, before you give a potassium supplement you must ask her PCP.
When she is out of bed make sure she wears support hose (remove at bedtime) have her do passive isometric exercises with her legs- point toes upward and feel the calf stretch, etc (google for exercises people can do in bed - isometrics are used as a treatment for many things).
Ask fof doppler studies of her LE if she hasn’t had them in > 1 yr. Discuss options with her PCP.
Leg cramps are are very painful. I hope she and you find treatments that work for her.
As a home care RN treating patients with pelvic fractures I came to believe that this is one condition that requires prescription pain medication for relief
We all are well aware of narcotics and the elderly. If Tramadol works that is absolutely wonderful.
But I have seen the pain in the faces of my patients with pelvic fractures. They are quite painful.
If Tramadol doesn’t work ask for Tylenol#3,Vicodin or even Percocet and give the least amount that makes the pain subside- 1/2 pill, even & supplement with regular Tylenol.
Not much you can do for pelvic fractures. I wish you all the best.
Good luck
There is so much, so much in this equation that is just wacky. My post is not all that helpful, just venting. I guess. OP, I hope you get resolution.
i am sorry I am venting. I wish you well.
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