Muscle spasm

[Kcartney103]

Two nights ago I experienced a new irksome problem; muscle spasm in my legs. It woke me up and lasted maybe 1/2 hour. I could feel different muscles tighten up as opposed to achiness.I hadn't done any excessive walking. I am down to 3 mgs Prednisone. I am going to try alternating 3mg one day then 4 the next for a week or so to see how that affects my general symptoms. I have been dealing with GCA and PMR for approx.5 years. Any insights will be appreciated. Is there no end to the tricks this disease can play?

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Perhaps you are experiencing a reduction in your magnesium levels. Firstly, you could try introducing foods rich in magnesium - dried apricots are an example of what seems to help me. Otherwise, if that doesn’t help perhaps a magnesium supplement is needed.

[Kcartney103 in reply to Celtic]

Thanks for your suggestion. I recently had an episode which lead the DR to put me on potassium, I guess I might as well take one more pill.

[HeronNS in reply to Kcartney103]

Was your potassium level checked? How about sodium? Like calcium and magnesium they need to stay in balance. I think we all need chemistry degrees to know how to eat these days! 🙄

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Try some magnesium supplements - lack of magnesium is a common cause of cramps, pred makes you lose more through the kidneys. That is the first thing the doctors say here in mainland Europe. If that doesn't work they look further.

[Kcartney103 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for the suggestion of magnesium supplement. I will try it, can't hurt👍🏻

[Purplecrow]

Ditto on the magnesium suggestion...it seems if I slack off on the supplements, I get reminded in the middle of nice dreams...with 🤬bad word, leg muscle cramps. From thigh to calf, to foot...they hurt and waKe me up!!!

Magnesium works for me...

also, I know sometimes, my body is dehydrated, and I have found the athletic drinks REALLY help. Course, wine tastes better, but the sports drink eases muscle cramps. So I drink a glass in between my glasses of wine.😈

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Purplecrow]

They will have magnesium in them.

If it is dehydration - water is just as good. Forget all the marketing guff...

[SheffieldJane]

As well as reporting this to your doctor I would take a Magnesium supplement which seems to help with cramp - like symptoms.

[Kcartney103]

Aches and pains, I'm getting darn tired of it😡

[daworm]

If your going to supplement with magnesium first google “best magnesium to take” or best absorbed by the body so your not wasting your money...many people are low on mag...

[Kcartney103]

Thanks for the tip

[Nerak12]

Hi. Osteocare tablets have calcium, Vit D, magnesium, selenium, boron in them. My leg cramps stopped after taking 2 of these with my evening meal plus making sure I was well hydrated. A large banana is as good as taking a SandoK (potassium supplement) and much nicer, when I was a nurse, we used to encourage patients to eat them if they couldn’t stand the taste of the tablets which are really yukk, or had mild potassium deficiency. Of course if you’re really low in K, supplementation will be necessary as dangerous. Sports drinks are generally very high in sugar, so PMR Pro is right about water. Good advice from HeronNS regarding importance of getting the balance of electrolytes right. So many medications can upset them. Of course, have a chat with your GP before making any changes. Good luck.

[artfingers]

I will never forget when I could barely walk for cramping and my cousin suggested I take magnesium. Took it and issue was gone by next day. Thank goodness, hope it works for you.

[Kcartney103 in reply to artfingers]

Thanks for your response.

[JaquieOboe]

Nasty. Familiar. Spasms, cramps? Soak a small towel in white vinegar and wrap it round, rub it in. Worth try. Costs nothing. I keep it by bed all time now.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to JaquieOboe]

Do you realise you are replying to posts that are over 2 years old?