Cramps/spasms

[younginmind]

OK I've had a few ops but in this heat recently have been suffering from cramps in chest, under left breast going to back + on right side the same, have leg/foot/hand cramps in the night, they are now so often, & really hurt & make me feel sick - does anyone else with copd live with this? Could cope before but now it is so often.

[crashdoll]

When you chest pain, I’d suggest you seek medical advice ASAP. Better safe than sorry.

[Carnival567]

I have had dreadful cramps in my hands and feet and it is awful isn’t it. One of the GPs gave me quinine, which worked, but my own doctor stopped it sharpish as it is not a very safe drug. He recommended drinking tonic water which has quinine in it. I think it has helped. One of the main causes is dehydration and given the weather drinking more water may help. However, if you have severe pain you really need to see your doctor ASAP. I hope you feel better soon x

[KJS15]

Yes I get awful cramps. I wake about 20 times each night trying to get them out of my feet and legs, and tend to get chest and abdominal cramps whenever I'm bending, stretching or using my upper body. I started to take some energy tablets that make a drink but these affected my kidney readings. Applying heat seems to help, so as use hot water bottles, running hot water over the affected area and always carry some deep heat or tiger balm with me. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids and check your sats to make sure you are not hypoxic.

[Patk1]

U should speak to dr

[Mooka]

Yes I get the under rib cramps and the leg/hand/foot cramps. Drinking plenty of water may help in this heat. If you go the tonic water route I believed it needs to be an expensive one like fever tree. If you are wearing different shoes because of the change in weather that can bring on the lower limb cramps.

[itsjustme123]

Its always a good idea to run these things by the doctor first and I can only say what has worked for me.

First off, when I had (debilitating and excruciating) pain under my ribs I found out that windeze gel caps worked really well. I was having lots of other cramps too and have consequently tried lots and lots of the long acting inhalers but each one, after varying amounts of time, ended up bringing the cramps back so now I cant take any of the long acting ones but at least the excruciating pain has stopped. Im still ok with just the normal ventolin though...

Next, when I had restless leg syndrome (a weird sensation which doesnt quite develop into cramp but feels like its going to) I discovered that magnesium worked for me, it also helps to regulate your sleep as a bonus, its worth having a google on the benefits of magnesium, I wouldnt be without it now.

Good luck and i hope you soon find relief.

[siouxbecket]

Just a couple of thoughts - 1) if you are on Lansoprazole this can reduce magnesium levels & 2) many years ago when I was much younger I was prescribed salt tablets for cramp, they worked but would probably not be recommended now! In this weather, with drinking lots of fluids, kind of makes a bit of sense but check with the medics first.

[Kristicats]

Please speak to your GP about this. Many over the counter ‘supplements herbs, vitamins etc’ can be unsafe to take with Other medications so need to be checked out first . I have a banana a day for my leg and foot cramp.

Chest / breast and back cramps need to be discussed with your doctor.

[Ergendl]

As others have mentioned, cramps can be caused by lack of magnesium or salt. In the recent hot weather, I craved eating crisps because I had sweated a lot and lost a lot of salt: as I am on a low salt diet it affected me more. A couple of small cubes of cheese at the next meal sorted it. I also take an occasional Epsom Salts bath to balance the magnesium.