Finally I reduced to 5mg of prednisone after 6 years. Yay!
My only issue now is increased leg cramps. I have been on 250 mg magnesium daily all along (thanks to the recs on this forum) but am confused as to which kind of magnesium, and actually, the correct dosage. I plan to continue to decrease my pred but I'm OK if I stay here. I am 84, otherwise completely healthy.
Thank you for your input, as always.
There are other causes of leg cramps besides low magnesium and it might be worth asking your PCP to check your blood levels of calcium, vit D and potassium/sodium etc.
The right dose of magnesium is one that doesn't cause very loose stools - it is used as a laxative too. Some people say the type of salt matters but that is more for other problems. If it is muscle cramps, it is the magnesium that is needed and in a form that suits you and is easily available.
Hello, I have had similar issues around the 6/5.5mg dose. I take magnesium daily plus recently bought a magnesium spray to rub in. I think it has made a difference. But I agree it’s worth checking bloods too. All best to you 😊
I use a magnesium spray, which, after a few months does seem to be working.
I use a very low dose -60mg per day as part of a general electrolyte supplement - and I find it works perfectly.
Whereas my daughter has been taking 300mg, which deals with the cramp right enough, but often makes her unduly sleepy 😴
There seems to be a large element of trial and error in this - but I’d agree with others - start with a blood test to see whether you have any specific deficiencies.
All the best - cramp’s literally a pain, I know x
I use quinine sulfate for leg cramps. It works brilliantly, but doctors are rather loathe to prescribe it as it should not be taken too often.
Epsom salts bath soak. I got rid of my bath tub when I had my bathroom done (I’m a daily shower girl, ha) and use a teaspoon of this rubbed into my abdomen daily:
perhaps try eating food every day that have higher amounts of magnesium...green leafy veggies (kale, chard), nuts (almond and cashew you can get as nut butters and add to soups or hot oat/milky drinks). Beans, lentils.
Have you tried to add a magnesium cream to the soles of your feet. I find this helps a bit as well.
hi everyone, ! Haven’t written for ages as I don’t seem to have any GCC/ PMR problem s but what I do have is a frightful back and have had surgery for spinal stenosis years ago .. not helped with the Steroids of course. Now it seems to be getting worse,( pain poor mobility and night cramps )The post about cramps prompted me to get in touch to see if anyone has similar problems or even solution s.! I’ve been taking Quinine nightly and very effectively for over a year Sadly it no longer works, the cramps are back. At the spInal OPD last week,( the GP sent me as I suddenly couldn’t wee).they think that surgery would be risky
The spine is a big problem here and I won’t bother you with it. I’m just wondering how to cope with the cramps . Thank you for all the helpful advice to me and everyone else .
Why would surgery be risky? If it is affecting your bladder they will need to think of something won't they?
Are you trying magnesium? Foot baths save getting in the bath and you can get spray and oil versions of magnesium which are absorbed through the skin too.
Have they checked other blood levels? Not just magnesium that contributes to cramps.
I have been taking Magnesium Glycinate 200 mgms at night for about 3 years now for cramps. I have had no unpleasant effects at all and find it very effective.
thank you so much for the idea of Magnesium for the night cramps and the spray and oil - I didnt know about them; I’ll try to locate them
Magnesium sprays, oils and tablets are available on Amazon if you have difficulty finding them (other retailers are available)
Good luck 😊
PS I’m assuming you drink enough water? I find that helps too
I find that if I drink Smart Water available from Sainsburys or B&M which has electrolytes then I don’t get leg cramps. Otherwise I suffer terribly.
Good idea 😊I also drink Aqua Carpatica bottled water at bedtime- it claims to be high in magnesium x
I had awful cramps, pulled a muscle or tendon in my leg and ended up in A&E, Low sodium, Hyponatraemia. I was also a bit confused. I'm supposed to have regular blood tests including sodium. My Husband and I both cut out sodium as it was then supposed to cause high blood pressure (early 2000s). Now small amount of salt with meals. Awaiting test results, mine was OK last time
Saw your post a few days ago and wanted to say that you could check with a Health Food Store, who usually are stocked with all remedies. I do take Magnesium Citrate which is rather a good gentle laxative for slow bowels, but think it also contributes to good sleep! My Internist did refer me to that many years ago, and am thinking that it has also contributed to good bones. Good Luck in finding the right one, and hopefully you have access to a good Health Food shop.
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