I have had foot cramps off and on since I got diagnosed with PA, but now there is a difference. When I clench my toes, it often causes them to spasm and I can't unclench them. In fact, they clench even more. It hurts a little.
I guess I could just stop clenching my toes, but I like to stretch them and it's something I've always done periodically. I feel like clenching my toes and stretching them keeps my feet more limber so I'd rather not stop.
Does anyone else have this particular type of foot cramp?
Written by
addie18
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Me feet and toes do the same thing, more so at night in the bed. I have neuropathy associated with my pernicious anemia and never had a problem with cramping until my PA.
Cramps magnesium deficiency or can also be a build up.potassium or calcium ..high calcium has many causes i think..high potassium usually a kidney thing I think....magnesium helps balance those two out and electrolytes are all about balance so it would be the safest thing to try. And get your electrolytes tested bevcause it could be a mag deficiency but if its high potassium or high calcium that can be a sign of some other issue. ...I have low magnesium and it gave me heart issues cramps spasms and when I took calcium I had a full body cramp ..my whole back arched backwards in a spasm shared the bejeepers out of me.
The type of cramp you describe I've been getting for years - long before any B12 issues. I used to ride horses and would often get cramp in my foot while putting my boots on, jamming my foot in the sleeve of the boot and leaving me unable to fully pull it on or off.
This was unrelated though to leg cramps which came regularly when my B12 issues were at their worst. At one point I couldn't stretch my leg forward without it cramping. This did go when I started self-injecting.
For me, the foot cramping seemed unaffected by my B12 level but as my podiatrist told me, I do have rather unusual feet!
Have you used magnesium its a common deficiency unless you eat lots of nuts and seeds which have a good amount. Its very low in the soil so we are all getting less and less of it.
I get cramp in my toes, and think it’s worse when my B12 levels are lower and I’m due my injection. I also think if my magnesium is low too. I’ve bought magnesium oil to massage into my feet, or use Epsom salts in a bath or foot bath.
I had to take the RDA before it was helpful. I was using the oil but I think you need it in your body. The RDA is 400 mg and unless you eat a lot of pumpkin seeds and things its hard to get that. I struggle to even get half of that. My mom has it too. should work within a few hours of taking enough. Maybe start smaller and work up to your level. If your lacking it its extremely important electrolyte. Its also hard ti get the test for it. Do you take any calcium supplements? You need at least to have half as much magnesium as calcium and ideally more.
Yes, I have to be very careful. I was blaming it on a back injury though the high dose Magnesium was relieving that it began to get worse even though my back hadn't, and spread to both legs. It improved again with regular B12 injections and I still take the magnesium.
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