Foot cramps

[Cathy12156dsrjad]

I’ve had this before but can’t remember what caused it. I have CKD and taking BP meds, along with other meds. I believe it is due to lack of or too much of something. Can anyone shed light on this? Thanks so much🙏🏻🌈

[Charlene_Coxhead]

Hi Cathy

I always get cramps or spasm when my potassium is low. I take potassium mediation as low potassium is part of my renal disease.

Maybe get it checked with a blood test as can't afford to mess about with low or high potassium.

Take care

Charlene

[Cathy12156dsrjad in reply to Charlene_Coxhead]

I thought I remembered that. Thanks!

[Neona]

Very likely to be low magnesium but could be imbalance of magnesium, calcium and potassium. Only thing to do is to get blood checked as you could make it worse by taking the wrong supplements.

[Cathy12156dsrjad in reply to Neona]

Thank u. I thought it was that

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Foot and leg cramps are usually a sign that you are dehydrated. Dehydration can cause your potassium and magnesium to be low and can cause the cramps. Drink more fluids today (water) and see if it doesn't help. If still having issues you should get your labs checked. Dr may need to add a med to help

[Cathy12156dsrjad in reply to WYOAnne]

Thank u!

[catbode1956]

What is your calcium level? Check with your doctor.

[Bert64]

Are, you a dialysis patient, probably dehydration.

[Cathy12156dsrjad in reply to Bert64]

No stage 3b. But I now believe it is my potassium. It’s been this way before but thank u so much for caring enough to help!!!

[carriegood]

It's weird, I'm supposed to take veltassa to LOWER my potassium because the meds raise it. I haven't been very good about taking it for a week or so, and you would think that would mean my potassium is going up. Except I've started getting leg cramps again in the last week... Can *high* potassium also cause cramps?

[Cathy12156dsrjad in reply to carriegood]

Good question. I haven’t thought to ask that. I’d like to know also

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Potassium is tricky business. One day it may be higher from what ever you ate. The next day it can go down. You want to maintain a normal level as best as you can which is below 5. I suggest that you track what you eat and see if you have the issues all the time or after certain foods or lack of water. Are you eating a renal diet? That is one thing that will help you with your CKD. If you cannot see a renal dietician, spend sometime learning what foods are high in potassium..... like chicken or even zucchini. Potassium is everywhere.

The one thing you do NOT want to do is take OTC potassium without a doctor's order.

I am to start taking veltassa, which I am not to excited about. My doctor wants me to try it so I can keep a lower level and eat the diet I am on. I eat mostly vegetables. Unfortunately, many veggies are high in potassium. We are going to monitor it with blood work to see if it is worth it.

When you can, have your labs checked for magnesium, which can get depleted with Veltassa. I had horrible cramps from a different medication. I take 400 mg nightly and that was an easy fix. But check with your doctor.

[Cathy12156dsrjad in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank u so much for the valuable information. I only drink water and plenty so checked that off. But realized u r right. I stop having them then a week later they may return for a day or so. I will begin to record what I eat. I am not going to a dietician anymore. Went for a while and learned all I felt she would share. I bought several books and research constantly on my health and proper diet but eating it is hard for me. Slow process but getting there. I love sweets. Not diabetic but insulin resistant and hypothyroidism. Again, getting there!

U r a caring lady. Thank u again. I enjoy our texts!❤️🙏🏻🌈