Calf cramps

[Pigeon21]

Hi,

I hope someone can help!

For the last month, I have been getting pains in my calf's (like spasming pain just before you get cramp). The pain has been getting worse and more regular, it effects me walking and is worse through the day.

I was in so much pain, I went to see my doctor who stated they believe I have restless leg syndrome and prescribed me Quinine Sulphate tablets for a month, so far the tablets are having no effect.

I am 30 years old, relatively fit but I now cannot exercise, walk properly and constantly feel generally ill.

Can anybody confirm if my symptoms sound like restless leg syndrome?

From what I've read, I wasn't sure.

Thanks in advance.

[Madlegs1]

Firstly- your Dr knows F all about rls if he is prescribing quinine. It can be effective for cramps but is contraindicated for rls - even by the FDA. It comes with a serious health warning. Just read the label!!

It doesn't sound like rls- and if the quinine is not helping - that seems to rule out cramping.

I'd be inclined to get a referral to a neurologist to rule out anything serious . And if he/she is any way competent , they should be able to determine the rls issue.

Basically- when you are resting- do you have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs for relief from "tickling" feeling in them.?

I do hope you are able to get help soon. Cheers.

[Kaarina Administrator]

Hi Pigeon,

This is taken from the RLS-uk.org website:

A SINGLE-QUESTION FOR RAPID SCREENING

The European journal or neurology reported a new single question for the rapid screening of RLS in the neurological clinical practice -

"When you try to relax in the evening or sleep at night, do you ever have unpleasant, restless feelings in your legs that can be relieved by walking or movement?“. This question has 100% sensitivity and 96.8% specificity for the diagnosis of RLS.

It is recommended that patients with RLS are given the following tests by their medical practitioner, as a minimum:

•Serum ferritin: RLS is frequently associated with iron deficiency.

•Renal function: RLS may be associated with renal failure.

•Other investigations for underlying possible cause include fasting blood glucose, magnesium, TSH, vitamin B12 and folate.

•If the neurological examination suggests an associated peripheral neuropathy or radiculopathy, electromyography and nerve conduction studies should be undertaken.

There is also a Symptom Checker you may like to have a look at: rls-uk.org/diagnosis

[DicCarlson]

This is exactly how my RLS started - lower leg cramps almost immediately upon laying down. Tried every "trick" like extreme elevation of legs, soap under the bed sheets, etc. Settled on iron (Ferritin level was low normal) - supplement with Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelete, and Magnesium L-Threonate. Exercise in the AM only. I take plenty of other supplements, multivitamin with high B vitamins, Vit. C, Vitamin E, Ginko and Green Tea. Here is a rundown of treatment options. hopkinsmedicine.org/neurolo...

[Ramrod]

Try pickle juice or tonic water after the symptoms

[Izzybelle22]

Hi Pigeon21. Your symptoms do not sound like RLS at all. Pain is a key word here. Even though a great deal of us RLS suffers experience 'pain,' the feeling we get is really quite different. It's horrible - that much I will give you but I don't think you are experiencing RLS even though it may be another type of neurological problem. Good Luck! Let us know how you do please.

[Terricotta]

Hi Pigeon21

This certainly doesn't sound like RLS. This sounds more like an electrolyte imbalance - sodium and potassium. Have you noticed this happening following the consumption of certain foods or beverages? Might be worth monitoring such things to see if there is a pattern.

Best regards

[Pigeon21]

Thank you to everyone who responded. I visited the doctors again as the pain was effecting my walking. I had full blood tests completed and I have a problem with my liver (not fully diagnosed yet) and not restless leg syndrome as the original doctor suggested..

[Hidden in reply to Pigeon21]

Glad you now have a better idea on whats wrong with you. Hope the liver whatever is wrong with it, is not a big problem.

[Pigeon21]

The doctor said I have an high liver count, which they think is causing the cramps. I haven't drank for 2 weeks and my leg cramps have almost cleared up. My doctor said I have to go back in 3 weeks to monitor my liver count (they didn't know if my reading had always been high), but since then I have just felt drowsy all the time, with a fever and feeling faint every so often. Some days are better than others, I just want them to diagnose exactly the problem, so I can start feeling better in myself.