Magnesium for Leg cramps + Itching all over, no rash!

[HappyDiamonds]

I have two new symptoms this week, night leg cramps and itching all over without a rash. Both have started on reduction to 5mg Pred. I have read that Magnesium supplements will help with the cramps but wondered if anyone could advise a non tablet supplement as I have swallowing difficulties so would like to avoid more tablets if I can. Also any advice on itching would be welcome, whilst not a huge problem it is very uncomfortable. All my bloods this week were fine including Vitamin D and thyroid check. My 9am Cortisol was 178.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You can get magnesium sprays - from pharmacies or well known online shop!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are magnesium sprays and liquid formulations. And good old Epsom salts in the bath or as a foot bath works too.

Have you tried the homeopathic remedy, Rhus Tox? Tiny globules and my daughters never itches with chicken pox when I used it

[HappyDiamonds in reply to PMRpro]

I see that helps with muscle aches and pain as well so going to give it a try, thank you. I also wanted to tell you that after numerous blood tests at Hospital & GP I was told everything was normal and they could only say my leg & walking problems were down to muscle wastage. Anyway, never one to give up I searched all my medication and found Losartan for BP caused muscle aches and pains so I stopped it and things have most definitely improved. My GP confirmed this and allowed me to stop completely now as my BP is good. The other thing they found on x-ray of my ankle was spurs due to Achilles Tendon problems and mild arthritis where I had a break when I was younger and playing hockey. Im having a walking treadmill delivered today as suggested by Physio to help with muscle wastage and build up some stamina. No doubt it will become a very good clothes horse in the spare bedroom in time 😂. Hope your walking problems and achilles is improving.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HappyDiamonds]

Your walking problems can be accounted for by the achilles etc - none so blind as those who don't want to see!!!!! Careful with the achilles on the treadmill ...

As for drugs causing muscle aches and pains - jinasc and I used to boggle at the number of things they iffer us and then deny any increased muscle probs are due to them!

[oscarandchloe in reply to PMRpro]

I've just bought Rhus Tox online and it was delivered this morning. As you say, tiny globules, but no instructions as to how many you take. I'm Ok and not itching at the moment, but when I do I'd like to know what dose and how frequently I take these. Can you tell me, please.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to oscarandchloe]

drugs.com/otc/1037847/rhus-...

says 4 tablets to be dissolved under the tongue 3 times a day. Real homeopathis afficiandos say you shouldn't touch the tablets - tip then into the lid and then tip them into your mouth

It will be interesting to know if it helps the PMR - it is is said to be good for rheumatic problems.

[SheffieldJane]

If you Google Magnesium spray there are a few to choose from. I haven’t used them myself but find Magnesium helps with sleep and cramps. For itching I simply use E45 cream which seems to do the trick. It is very itchy weather.

[HappyDiamonds]

Thanks everyone, off to look on A

[Appledore6]

Good morning to you. I am half way through reduction from 6mg to 5mg and my skin from head to toe has been crawling for past few weeks. So thanks for posting it always helps to know we are not alone with this. Its also the second time this has happened to me at a similar dose so I am confidant it is the pred. I also take 1000mg magnesium every day for the last 3 years and had many benefits. Have a good week.

[HappyDiamonds in reply to Appledore6]

Good morning, no you are not alone but it always feel wrong somehow for me to say Im glad its happening to someone else 😀 but Im sure you know what I mean.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HappyDiamonds]

relieved is the word

[Purple-Owl in reply to Appledore6]

Snap! I am at 6mg and have itchy back.

[bussell]

I get small acutely itchy areas and find Eurax antihistamine cream really does the job.

[Janstr]

Re the itching, just repeating something I posted a couple of days ago for someone else with the problem: My husband experienced itching after the 2nd Covid vaccine, scratching at times until he bled. After many creams including a scabies treatment, drugs including prednisone & anti histamines & showering using the smelly pinetarsol , he eventually saw a skin specialist. He was told to stop showering everyday, replace soap with aqueous cream, & use cetomacrogol cream before going to bed. And it worked! By the way he was told it wasn’t caused by the vaccine , but by his immune response to it, & had the 3rd with no side effects

[Viv54]

I have had the cramping but not the itching.I use the Magnesium spray , it helps , but be aware you can not spray to much as it can cause upset stomach . Good luck .🌷

[Pr0jection]

I take Magnelon 300mg Magnesium. It's soluble so easy to swallow. Hope this helps.

[Daffodilia]

I had antihistamine and betnovate cream from gp for itching - use aveenocream every day now

[Uglow]

Magnesium comes in liquid form that maybe easier. X

[whitefishbay]

You can find Voost fizzy Magnesium tablets at Boots. They work for me.

[MAUVEN]

Try Magnesium Powder, teaspoonful dissolved in water before going to bed. Available on Amazon and all good health shops.

[Artnmusiclover]

I hear you! Down to 6.5mg and itching like mad! Use magnesium but still itch...and tender skin when I scratch...so annoying