How To Help With Leg Tremors In The Elderly - The Ultimate Caregiving Expert
What are leg tremors?
Leg tremors are shaking usually caused by a physical weakness, emotional stress or disease. This is a common problem among the elderly population. Leg tremors are involuntary and involve muscle contractions. Causing shaking movements in the legs and other parts of the body. Leg tremors often show a major underlying medical condition. If the condition occurs, one should consult a doctor immediately. It is the result of various conditions such as:
Types of tremors in the elderly
There are various types of tremors that do not affect only the legs but can also affect other parts of the body.
The most common forms of tremors. They affect the hands, but most times, it can also affect the legs, tongue, voice, trunk, and head.
Individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease suffer from such a tremor.
Also known as intention tremors. They occur due to stroke, damage to the cerebellar, or alcohol abuse. Cerebellar tremors can affect any part of the body.
Are tremors that occur in individuals suffering from dystonia.
These affect the legs and trunk and occur when an individual stands up quick after a long time. These type of tremors are difficult to diagnose due to the lack of other signs and symptoms.
They occur suddenly and can affect any part of the body. A tremor of such type is a mixture of 2–3 other types of tremors such as postural, action and resting tremors.
Experienced by most individuals and are visible to the eye. They occur due to fatigue, emotional outburst, anger, or a withdrawal symptom.
Causes of leg tremors in the elderly
Here are some various causes of leg tremors in the elderly.
Diseases affecting the central nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease
Several medications like lithium, anti-seizure, and antidepressants.
Leg tremors can pass on from one generation to another.
Problem with the thyroid gland.
Risk factors for leg tremors
Factors which do not cause tremors but worsen the existing condition.
Steps to cope with the problem of leg tremors in the elderly
Suffering from leg tremors is not a pleasant experience. And can make life miserable for our elderly parents. From diseases of the central nervous system to anxiety and stress. Many factors are the cause for the onset of leg tremors. However, There are natural remedies which you can try to put leg tremors to rest.
These act as very good relaxants and relieve anxiety. Some types of herbal teas are lavender, chamomile, and thyme. Consuming this tea on a regular basis brings down the stress levels. And ultimately helps in keeping the tremors under control.
Coffee and caffeinated beverages can trigger leg tremors. It is, therefore, necessary to avoid all kinds of drinks and desserts that contain coffee in them.
Smoking tobacco can worsen the existing condition of leg tremors. It is, therefore, necessary to convince your elderly parents to stop smoking if they are in the habit of it.
Avoid over the counter medications
Certain over the counter medications, meant for allergies, depression, and asthma. Can worsen leg tremors. Always consult a doctor before offering any medicine to your elderly loved ones.
A diet that is rich in vitamins, low in refined sugars and simple carbohydrates can help tremors. B vitamins are essentially known to treat neurological conditions. This is the basis for the onset of leg tremors. Practice yoga and other stress relieving techniques. Yoga is a powerful stress buster. And practicing it can do wonders in decreasing the anxiety and stress levels.
Practice yoga and other stress relieving techniques
Yoga is a powerful stress buster. And practicing it can do wonders in decreasing the anxiety and stress levels.
Doctors will map out an appropriate treatment plan based on the diagnosis. Medications are often the first line of treatment for leg tremors. In addition, some elderly patients may also benefit from occupational and physical therapy. Therapy will help reduce the incidence of tremors. They improving muscle strength, muscle coordination as well as muscle control. Depending on the nature and type of leg tremor, the therapist will decide on the specific type of therapy. Surgery is often the last resort. And opted for when medications and therapies do not bring about any positive effect. Surgical procedures include deep brain stimulation and thalamotomy. They have a very positive outcome in most severe cases.
Living with tremors can be really difficult. And can drastically affect the quality of life of our senior parents. Recognizing the symptoms and addressing the problem will help in the treatment. With treatment and several coping strategies, we can expect a positive outcome. For more information check out this site.
Also, check out some of my latest post to help.
https://theultimatecaregivingexpert.com/2016/03/14/wonderful-devices-ambulation/
Post Tags:	#Caregivers#Caregiving#Family Caregiver#Family Caregiving#Leg tremors#Parkinsons disease#Tremors	
How To Incorporate The Anti-Inflammatory Diet For Seniors
How To Help Your Loved One With Pneumonia
ByTena Scallan	 January 22, 2020 January 22, 2020
Pneumonia – A common problem when cold weather arrives Today is the coldest day of the year and we definitely have to watch out for pneumonia! It is a dreadful condition that can cause major problems. As your loved one’s age, there is a significant decline in their immunity. This makes them susceptible to contract…
Read More How To Help Your Loved One With PneumoniaContinue
The problem of leg cramps in the elderly The first thing to remember, muscle cramps, especially in the legs is common among the older population. For this reason, individuals above 65 years experience leg cramps more often than their younger counterparts. Also, leg cramps or muscle cramps, also known as Charley horses. As a result,…
Read More How To Effectively Deal With The Problem Of Leg CrampsContinue
How Bill Cohen A Caregiving Expert Started Caregiving
ByTena Scallan	 August 5, 2020
How Bill Cohen became a caregiver 16 years ago, I never could have imagined that I’d be starting a caregiving journey with my late mother, Sheila. Sheila Cohen Springer was a master printmaker specializing in the intaglio technique, an early Mac adopter and user in her 60s, beloved wife, sister, aunt, and my mother. Sheila…
Read More How Bill Cohen A Caregiving Expert Started CaregivingContinue
How To Effectively Use And Learn Memo24 Reminder System
Memo24 reminder system and cognitive impairment Memo24 reminder system helps with cognitive diseases. Alzheimer’s and other cognitive diseases are now one of the fastest growing threat in the world. By 2050, Alzheimer’s will affect 1 in 85 people globally. Another gloomy statistic is that in the USA alone. There are 125,000 yearly deaths from the…
Read More How To Effectively Use And Learn Memo24 Reminder SystemContinue
How To Effectively Control Overeating For Your Loved One
Overeating is a problem. Overeating is probably one of the uncommon problems of old age. Furthermore, it is easy for our senior parents to tend to fall easy prey to it. Also, overeating does not always occur due to hunger or fondness towards a particular food. But many times, it is the resultant reaction of…
Read More How To Effectively Control Overeating For Your Loved OneContinue