Muscle spasm and cramps

[Blueribbon63]

I am experiencing leg and feet muscle spasms and cramps. It happens during the night and they have me waking up and jumping off bed to stand up and stretch. The pain is unbearable on the bottom of my right foot, these are not 'regular' muscle cramps. I cannot point out which of my medications are causing this. My next follow up visit with my primary care and oncologist is on March 10. I don't know if I should start taking tramadol again or just naproxen until I see them.

[Blueribbon63]

I hadn't thought of that, and you are right.Thank you

[mrscruffy in reply to Blueribbon63]

I was suffering from Potassium deficiency, MO added potassium to my array of pills

[MJCA]

I’ll add another. I had cramps just about every night . Once I started taking 500mg of magnesium nightly - my cramps went away.

[tango65]

If you are on zytiga request electrolytes to see if your potassium is low.

[TMcgee]

I have the same problem. My MO told me to take Claritin and tonic water. Never would have thought of those two, but it seems to be working.

[Nusch]

Cramps can come if you don’t get enough magnesium . You can easily check this by using e.g. CRONOMETER app, it is free. Just type in your typical meals and if will give you all the details.

[Blueribbon63 in reply to Nusch]

Nusch I am going to try this. Thank you!

[Miccoman]

Should you find that your electrolytes are in balance, or that supplements aren't working I can suggest a home remedy that can't possibly work but...

Never overlook a medical opinion for a home remedy.

Put an unwrapped new bar of soap under the bottom sheet of your bed near where your feet will be. If cramps return, you need a new bar of soap.

A ridiculous solution but a lot of people seem to find it relieves leg cramps, myself included.

I seem to have problems with phosphorous levels but my cramps don't line up with anything being low. So it's worth a try.

[Don_1213 in reply to Miccoman]

Does brand matter? Ivory is considerably different (It FLOATS!) than Dove.. 😜

[Don_1213 in reply to Don_1213]

BTW - have had these for years, and several things help.. hydrate and add potassium (bananas) to your breakfast and magnesium tabs to your daily round of pills. I haven't had need to try out soap - yet.

[Blueribbon63 in reply to Don_1213]

I make sure I eat a banana first thing in the morning, well now is second as first I need to take my Zytiga and Prednisone on an empty stomach and wait at least one hour before I eat or drink anything.

[Miccoman in reply to Don_1213]

No, it seems neither the amount of air in a bar nor its scent seems to make a difference, although some people swear by one brand or another.

[Blueribbon63 in reply to Miccoman]

I am not sure about my magnesium or potassium levels yet, but your home remedy seems harmless enough to try it, so I will. Thanks a lot.

[Blueribbon63 in reply to Miccoman]

Miccoman, what do you know. I find no science to back up the soap thing, but I am happy to report 3 nights with out screaming with pain and jumping off bed. I got the soap bar the same day I read your posting. Keeping my fingers crossed for this to continue. I also have my follow up visit with my oncologist right after getting a whole round of labs.

[Miccoman in reply to Blueribbon63]

You are right, this can't possibly work and there's no scientific evidence behind it, but...

3 nights uninterrupted by cramps!

Even if it's a placebo effect, I'll take it because the co-pay is zero! I've read that some people smear their legs with liquid soap -- for daytime cramps?? because partner doesn't want soap under the sheets??? -- for relief. It's truly amazing the things that can be a help without paying drug companies.

[Dynamo]

I use Hyland's Leg Cramps Ointment.. Smear on just a little on ones calves & the top of my feet every night.. No more cramps.. Order from Amazon 3 tubes for about $20 It works.