Cramp

[Vito5566]

Hi I’m 7 months in with PMR . On 24,mg steroids . Last few weeks I’m experiencing cramps everywhere from toes feet & legs even wrists . Is this due to Vitamin deficiency. Seeing doc tomorrow

[SheffieldJane]

Try a good Magnesium supplement.

[Vito5566 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Ok thanks for quick reply appreciate it

[whitefishbay]

take magnesium.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Not vitamins - probably minerals! As already suggested - try magnesium supplements. Pred makes you lose more via the kidneys and it is quite easy to become deficient.

If that doesn't help, ask your doctor to check electrolytes and calcium levels - imbalances there can also cause cramping. Measuring blood magnesium levels isn't very informative - you can look fine from the blood levels when the cell levels are low.

[1951grumpa]

When I started steroids in 2011 and still working I would get those same cramps. At one point my wife had to pull my foot I thought it was trying to touch my shin. Sometimes even today (4mg). My potassium was a little low. I’d hear eat bananas butt to me can have other side effects. I found that drinking Low Sodium V-8 juice helps. It has a lot of potassium. Not sure if it’s available where your at. I’m in the US. It’s a vegetable juice drink. Much like tomato juice but with more veggies. It works for me.

[Vito5566 in reply to 1951grumpa]

Thank you for your reply. Really helpful

[Topps]

I use magnesium to help with my leg and foot cramp.

[Vito5566 in reply to Topps]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[catdance]

I can totally relate to the cramping! Toes, feet, fingers, hands, body cramps, including the larger muscles in the back, side or inside of knee to groin. I was diagnosed with PMR in March of 2020. I am currently tapered down to 9.5 mg. I found what works for me is first HYDRATE!! Yes more water. Even if you think you drink enough, you may need more, at least for a few days. I also take magnesium, potassium, zinc, along with calcium, D3 and sodium. Be sure to get the right type of magnesium. PMRpro can give you more insight on that. You don't want too much or the wrong kind as it can cause diarrhea. Sodium is more like a bit in a glass of water or eat something salty like a few olives, which has also really helped. Everything in moderation! Sometimes while the cramp is happening, I'll have a glass of water and somehow that works. Just have to find what works for you. I also tried adding a small amount of the magnesium and doubling the dose of potassium which did helped me as well. You need to "tweek" things until you find your body's happy medium. Oh one more thing! Be careful not to over do things. When you overwork your muscles, take a longer walk, climb a hill, move things, using muscles that you haven't used for a while or using them longer than they are used to, can also result in cramping. I know we all like to try to do more, because we feel good today or think that pushing through it will accomplish more or it's got to be done, but at the end of the day, it can definitely affect the muscles and cause cramping. Hope this helps and you find some relief.

[Nextoneplease in reply to catdance]

I agree - pretty much exactly what I do, and it really helps. I’d just add, don’t take too much of any one supplement, and be careful about‘doubling up’ x

[Vito5566 in reply to catdance]

Thank you so much. Very interesting what you said I really appreciate it

[Vito5566 in reply to catdance]

Thann you very much appreciate your reply

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to catdance]

"PMRpro can give you more insight on that"

Not really, magnesium for muscle cramp is magnesium, the other part of the salt may be relevant for other things but the one I use isn't available outside Italy and France as far as I can see.

[Vito5566 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you