Cramps

[234WARD03]

I have PBC and am in 70s. Does anyone else have terrible muscle spasms, cramps in legs and hands? These seem to be worse at night or after relaxing on a sofa. I try to drink lots of water, take magnesium and calcium tablets but some nights it's waking me every hour. I have to get up and walk on cold floor tiles or douse legs in cold water with a flannel, massaging does not help.My hands mainly evening start to cramp up. I said to Dr it was like Someone with brain damage the way hands go. They clench but start to cross one another. She just looked with distaste at my words but that's what happens. Dr's don't prescribe quinine in GB what do I do to help myself? Also is this part of PBC?

[DebatDG9]

A friend of mine swears by Crampex

Box

[Candy12]

I get the same, sometimes it feels like the ankle bone is in pain when it’s really bad in the foot.

I don’t know if it’s PBC related I’ve not asked anyone. I can’t solve the issues entirely as I look for relief myself but try: , 20 minute bath with Epsom salts I get the one with magnesium flakes that relaxes tired muscles., I drink Indian tonic water for a few days if I’ve been suffering it helps a little. It’s not something I would normally drink as I normally stay away from any fizzy drink but it’s worth a try. minus the gin obviously). Hope that’s some help.

[butterflyEi]

I have a banana each morning for the potassium and magnesium and porridge with milk for the calcium. (I have osteoporosis so I also take a prescribed calcium tablet). If you like to drink coconut water this also has a decent amount of potassium which will also help the leg cramps. I also eat a large amount of green leafy vegetables and broccoli which is a good way to get nutrients into your system. Not sure if tonic water still has quinine in it but that may also be a natural way to help yourself as your doctor does not seem to be interested. It is good to drink plenty of water and keep well hydrated but more than 3 litres in a day may not be so good.

If your self help does not settle the problem go back to the surgery hopefully you can get a more sympathetic GP.

hope something here will help

[Oidra]

I still get cramps in my legs at night but not as often as I used to. I drink a good quality tonic water for the quinnine, nice with an ice cube in it and I feel it helps.

[gg11]

Yes, I get cramps in my legs (mostly right leg). Magnesium, tonic water and vitamin E have helped.

[Artsy123]

hi, I was told by my rheumatologist that neurology would have to assess muscle spasms. They start for me after trying to use various muscles. I get them in the abdomen, upper back and legs. All of that is just pending as I am in the process of sorting it out. I have tried the antidotes mentioned by the other contributors.

The constant sleep interruption must be terrible. I hope you are able to find some relief.

[234WARD03 in reply to Artsy123]

Im exactly the same and lack of sleep is killing me. Last night I was up every hour and walking on cold floors for relief. It's draining. Drank half a litre of tonic water at three and it didn't do a thing. Docs just ignore it but it's agonising. I have got vericous veins which don't help. Please excuse me being blunt here but

I have noticed if bowel isn't regular the cramps are worse. Emptying bowel seems to relieve it a bit less pressure I suppose on blood vessels. That is OK if you can stand the pain of sitting position to empty your bowel.

I don't know what answer is but the liver specialist nurse didn't connect cramps with PBC. So I have to look elswhere.

I take magnesium and calcium if I stop cramps get worse.

Hope youhave better luck than me x

[Ellyne]

I had the same thing in my calves and arches. I have built up to walking briskly 30 minutes a day and the cramping has gone. I tried the othe things mentioned above and they didn't work for me.

[Readlots]

My Mum suffered with cramps, tonic water and bananas worked for her but when in the middle of an attack walking on a cold stone floor also helped.

[234WARD03 in reply to Readlots]

I walk on cold floor barefoot when having cramp and when it's in my hands I spread my fingers and press on an old marble slab. But will try the tonic water, thankyou.