Morning leg cramps

[jer3jen]

I was diagnosed with PMR theee months ago. I started on 20 mg prednisone for a month then 15 mg for a month. For this last month I am down to 10 mg. The last two weeks or so I have had painful cramps in my right glute, calf and toes. I’ve tried electrolytes at bedtime along with 300mg of magnesium and a banana for extra potassium. I don’t know if this is a PMR but the cramps are not in my neck/shoulder where my PMR was the most painful. The cramps ease during the day.

Thanks for any advice.

Jerry R

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If magnesium supplement isn’t helping, try good old fashioned Epsom Salts in a bath.

[SnazzyD]

Do you mean a cramp that doesn’t let up for ages or a series of shorter bursts like ‘normal’ cramp?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Any idea if it relates to a particular sleeping position? I know this is about pain rather than cramps but sometimes cramp is the forerunner of pain ...

spine-health.com/blog/why-y...

[Meggsy]

Did you go from 20mg to 10mg in 2 months? Maybe taper was a little too fast.

[jer3jen in reply to Meggsy]

Thank you-there was a step down to 15mg for about 3 wks.

Jerry

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jer3jen]

Still too fast - you need at least a month and most good doctors say 4-6 weeks at the starting dose. If that was 20mg, then the same at 17.5 on the way to 15mg.

[jer3jen in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks I’ll bring this up with my doctor

Much appreciated

Jerry

[Irishfurbaby]

Hi

I take predisolone very similar to your meds. Since I have had PMR I have bought an electric blanket to sleep on and use heat rubs on aching areas on my bodies.

Have not experienced cramps though. Do you do yoga or pilates to do s lot of stretching. I keeping moving it is the best thing.

Good luck

[jer3jen in reply to Irishfurbaby]

Thank you, a heated blanket is a good idea. I do stretch a lot but will do more.

Jerry

[Irishfurbaby in reply to jer3jen]

I was also told to do a light weights program to help with strength and mobility.