Legs cramps and ageing

[BK47]

I too have put on a couple of stones in weights and I am really suffering leg and hand cramps recently. I’m on HCQ and Methotrexate. My calf muscle felt like it snapped on Friday and I’ve been unable to walk/drive since then due to the pain. I’m going to ask Rheumy about it on 23rd but it is very depressing. I’m 74 and I’m scared that this is the start of infirmity. I dread that as I live alone and have no close family nearby.

[Hidden]

You’re never alone with this site and all the people experiencing their own set of trials and conditions, so please feel comforted.I have no medical experience but urge you to seek attention to your leg ASAP so you can begin whatever treatment is need to facilitate recovery.

At the very least follow the steps of rest, elevation and ice - seek advice before the next step - compression.

At least phone 111 for advice.

Remember this site offers sharing, helping and support to us all. 🤗

[JenniferW]

There are several things that can cause leg cramps. If you are seriously concerned then contact your GP (assuming they are contactable).

Common reasons for leg cramps include:

Dehydration

Excessive exercise, this can include standing on them for too long

Low levels of sodium

low levels of magnesium

Methotrexate can deplete your mineral levels. You can find out if you had low levels of sodium or potassium, because it's in our regular methotrexate related blood tests, have a look at your last set of tests to check.

Low levels of magnesium are quite common, there isn't really a test for that. You could try buying some magnesium lotion from e.g. Boots, Holland and Barrett (other shops are available) and rubbing it onto your calves.

Also some people find exercises are helpful, have a look online for suggestions.

[JenniferW in reply to JenniferW]

I forgot to say, increasing my salt intake to help with adrenal problems recently helped with my cramps, but that depends on your situation, if you have high blood pressure you shouldn't up your salt levels

[posthinking01]

Hi there so sorry to hear about this - I use Magnesium oil by Better You but of course you would need to make sure it goes with your drugs. But it is quite safe otherwise.

[Hidden]

How is your leg muscle today? Are you able to walk on it yet?When I ruptured my soleus and gastrocnemius in October 2020 I paid to see a physio who massaged it such that I could limp on it that day. 18 months later I’m nearly walking normally again and it’s almost stopped hurting. I admit I struggled with the exercises due to RA joint stiffness in hips and knees but eventually……. I may even dance again!

[posthinking01 in reply to Hidden]

Oh you poor thing - there is evidence that sometimes these muscles and tendons misbehave particularly the Achilles tendon due to low Vitamin C.

[Hidden in reply to posthinking01]

It happened during lockdown and thinking it was just a strain I sought no help for two weeks, then paid for one physio appointment and diagnosis.It should have been immobilised in a boot and no weight on it for 6 weeks but hospitals were busy with covid. I also developed burstitus on the big toe joint from limping and I have RA in both ball joints of the feet which contributed to the problem. Finally had a scan May 21 and started NHS physio Nov 21. Now it’s nearly better but with Enthetis (?) linked to RA.

It’s been a struggle but swimming 25 lengths twice weekly, and religiously doing the physio exercises I’m nearly there although I don’t think I’ll ever wear heels again sadly.

[DJK99]

Hello. So sorry to hear what you are going through. I can empathise as a single woman with no family and friends living 7 miles away. I'm only 59 now but have quite a lot of health issues that come up rather regularly unfortunately, so it's been a bit difficult off and on post ops.

I'm on methotrexate too, but couldn't tolerate HydroxyQ - v bad diarrhoea and severe migraines with aura. I can say I've had very severe leg cramps from the tips of my bit toe all the way up my shins to my knees over the last couple of years. I thought it was the nifedipine.. but I'm back on it and it hasn't got worse. I had to start taking Quinine via the GP as it was so very bad. I used to scream in pain and nearly pass out over and over in the night. The quinine has really helped ie they've stopped (hurray!), but I only take them now and then or when I feel a twinge, as I started to feel quite unwell on them.

I also make sure I eat a banana every day, which might be helping. Staying very hydrated every day is essential too I think (at least 2.5litres of water a day). And I take magnesium/calcium/zinc by Solgar without fail (one in the morning and two at bedtime) as lack of magnesium can bring on cramps apparently.

Hope some of that helps. All the best, D

[BK47 in reply to DJK99]

Thank you so much for your reply. Your condition sounds similar to mine so I will ask about quinine when I see my consultant next Friday. I’ve ordered magnesium cream to rub on my legs and I always have daily banana but I’m hopeless at drinking water-I’m a tea and coffee person!Had a very low mood last night due to everything getting me down but I got through it and am trying to stay positive today. But not being able to drive or walk due to the muscle damage is getting to me. I pray it eases soon!

Thanks again for your reply and concern- it helps.

[DJK99 in reply to BK47]

Oooh so sorry you were down BK47. I know it can be hard sometimes, always good to reach out as you did on here. Makes all the difference to feel heard and hopefully helped. Well please try and drink water - coffee can be a diuretic (and strong tea) and I just cannot have either as coffee can send me spiralling into a panic.. and I cannot sleep either. I allow myself a weak Earl Grey no later than 2pm though... gotta have a treat e?! So, re the water...even if you have to add something delicate to it such as er, lime cordial or natural squash type thang, you will notice a difference I would think.. to everything. But it seems from this up to date research I found below that runners benefit from water with electrolytes in it... so, whilst you and I might not be doing any marathons(!!) it might help us too. All I know is, I eat a lot of the foods in the research below that I only just found. I'm ADDICTED to cantaloupe melon each morning... from about 2yrs ago, and I take tons of high quality stuff such as collagen and my diet is full of the other stuff it mentions. I am feeling my best self having done all these tweaks. Anyway... just a thought and here are a few bits of research for you:

Electrolytes Better for Cramp Prevention Than Pure Water, Study Shows

verywellfit.com/electrolyte...

Foods That May Help With Muscle Cramps

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on March 06, 2022

webmd.com/pain-management/s...

Aching joints etc

carrellclinic.com/about-us/...

Memory and cognition

fayazneurosurgery.com/how-d...

Sleep

Short sleep duration is associated with inadequate hydration: cross-cultural evidence from US and Chinese adults

academic.oup.com/sleep/arti...

sleepfoundation.org/nutriti...

GERD

palmyrasurgical.com/lifesty...

Dry skin

webmd.com/beauty/ss/slidesh...

Hope some of this helps, and good luck with discussion with your rheumy - but keep in mind, for me anyway, that the quinine can make you feel rather uncomfortable (hard to describe but a bit like my body wanted to explode out from my chest, everywhere really) so I only take it once a week which seems to help. I wish you all the best finding relief... We gotta be our own carers! Much love, D

[JenniferW]

I've just noticed that you said you had put on weight. Have you had your thyroid tested recently?

It's not uncommon for lupus sufferers to have thyroid problems and some of your symptoms appear on this list on the NHS page for underactive thyroid. Just a thought.

nhs.uk/conditions/underacti...