Calf leg cramps?

[lashinator]

From time to time I get excruciating leg cramps. It feels like a knot that wont untwist in my calf. This one is going on 4 days- the longest ever. I can't work out yet because it's painful. I would love to massage it out, but I cant let anyone touch it at this point. Anyone have any quick cures? Bananas aren't working either.

[Snowcone16]

I recall going through this a few months ago. I believe daily magnesium and walking helped it. Initially I was walking a mile per day. I haven’t walked for exercise since July 1 so it must be the magnesium working.

[lashinator in reply to Snowcone16]

Thanks guys!

[SeattleMom]

Hello! Yes, I've had similar (excruciating) calf cramps occur in the middle of the night (not often, but just an occasional one can be tough). Here's what works every time: swallow a dollop of mustard; if that doesn't provide IMMEDIATE relief, take another dollop. I have never had this fail and hope it works for you! XO Linda

[lynnhbtb]

Yes, I get calf cramps. When I was on Tamoxifen years ago I began getting them, now with Faslodex, I get them again. My Onc. Dr. back then suggested tonic water (I used diet) and without the gin (ha!). The quionine helps with the cramps. It does work when I remember. I love a little diet tonic with lime. It's very refreshing. Also, stretching and rolling on a foam roller or using the stick to release fascia. Hope this helps. Lynn

[BlueEyedC]

I don't mean to scare you, but please tell your doctor. Before I was diagnosed with MBC, I had leg cramps a few times a week and didn't really think much about it. After I was diagnosed, but before my treatment started, I suddenly couldn't breathe as I was working to work. So I called 911 and went to the hospital. It turned out that I had a pulmonary embolism, and spent two days in the hospital. I will now be on blood thinners for the rest of my life, but it's better than having another PE. I have no more leg cramps. Apparently one can be more prone to blood clots with cancer, and leg cramps could be a symptom. Good luck to you!!!

[Julie2233]

Have you had your magnesium levels checked?

[RLN-overcomer]

Greetings: Sister/warrior Years ago I use to have horrible foot, and lower leg cramps that use to wake me up in the middle of the night. When I finally did blood work I found that my potassium, magnesium, zinc, and D3 levels were very low. I have since updated, and added these supplements to my daily intake, which is almost thirty (30 ) supplements. I currently take a Women's RainbowLight whole food vitamin. Suffice to say, I no longer have those horrible foot/lower leg cramps.

You should know that our food sources have been depleted of theses very important minerals/supplements for almost (3) three decades. Therefore the FDA standards/requirements are clearly outdated. Trace minerals/supplements are important to the proper healthy function of the human body.

I try to always drink half my weight or more in ounces of water that I infuse with organic lemon/lime squeezed in and cut up and dropped inside the water. I also add crushed garlic to every glass. I also add a pinch of sea salt, and baking soda to every 16 Oz glass of water, because ( my pressure runs genetically low.) I truly hope this has helped you or the other sisters/warriors out there. I hope everyone got to enjoy their Labor Day XoXoXo

[Gibbsbet]

I have terrible leg cramps starting on my feet up to my knees. Magnesium helps and also the THERAWORX that is advertised on TV.

[PODLESNY]

Sorry to hear about your leg pain. I was getting really bad night pain in the shin area of my legs, ankles, and feet. I increased my water. I also invested in Theraworx (theraworxrelief.com) and it really worked!! Hope you find relief too.

[Hidden]

I would definitely mention the leg cramps to your oncologist, oncology nurse or someone else in the medical field. I was pretty good about going to the doctor's before my diagnosis, but now I am even better at mentioning every little thing that bothers me. Don't think it is too insignificant to mention. If it is bothering you and interfering with your life, then it is worth mentioning. It could well be nothing, but you should still get it checked out just for your own peace of mind.

I had my monthly hormone injection on Tuesday and I mentioned to my GP that the side of my left breast hurt. I was worried in case the cancer was spreading, so I had her examine me. There was nothing there and she reassured me by reminding me my recent CT scan results showed the tumour is shrinking and my condition is stable. So sometimes all you need is some reassurance and you can carry on.

All the best, and I hope you are soon feeling better!

Sophie x

[Hidden]

Hello! As is typical, I'm way too late to this convo, but for future readers thought I'd mention that this seems to me to probably related to potassium deficiency. I'm not sure why this is an issue with our treatment, but potassium levels are like an ongoing conversation b/w me and my docs. There are websites re: high potassium foods like bananas, avocados, etc. Every once in a while my doc orders an Rx for potassium...horse pills, for sure, but from what I understand potassium is essential to like sending messages along the nervous system, e.g. for like your heart to beat. So it does matter. BTW, I often have these issues, am awakened regularly with foot and lower leg cramps. Be well.