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Cramps in Legs and feet

Presence1 profile image
13 Replies

I am beginning my 4th yr on Ibrance, Letrozole, and (Xgeva every 3 mos.)

I have been getting cramps in my feet that makes me feel like the bones are out of joint. Then the pain starts to travel up my leg to my calf. This happens mainly at night.

My assumption is the Ibrance( I’ve been on 100mg for about a year down from 125mg) is causing this.

Is anyone experiencing leg or foot cramps?

If so, have you found anything that works to alleviate or prevent them?

Thanks

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Presence1
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13 Replies
NPmary profile image
NPmary

When the cramp starts as quickly as l can l put compression socks on, l keep them at my bedside that usually eases the cramping. Good luck k l know l w how awful this can be.

Often cramps can be alleviated by increasing our magnesium in our diet such as avocados, nuts especially nuts like pili, almonds and brazil buts and seeds like flax, pumpkin and chia. Ive found Epsom salt baths work well as well as a magnesium spray and I now take a supplement too. It’s definitely eased the issue

I’m in UK and they suggest supplements of calcium to support the bones but the issue is that calcium decreases magnesium absorption so its all about getting the right balance

Humanist65 profile image
Humanist65 in reply to

Careful with supplements. Our blood levels are important to watch.

wendle3007 profile image
wendle3007

I get this about 3 times a week but haven't found a pattern to suggest what causes or prevents it. That said, I am certain that being well hydrated before going to bed helps a lot - even if only because getting up to pee in the night maybe helps circulation?

Woodthrush profile image
Woodthrush

i too have had leg cramps intermittently, am on Ibrance and letrozole . Massage therapist said cramps while exercising is low magnesium ( eat banana) while resting low potassium (eat sunflower seeds). I take magnesium supplement, she suggested body only absorbs so much supplement. well hydrated during the day helps toward keeping them at bay. Last time I had leg cramp i massaged the liver point between big toe and 2nd toe -and eased cramp !Walking helps too,

SpongebobMom profile image
SpongebobMom

make sure you're getting adequate magnesium, potassium and salt.

i use an OTC product called Hyland's Leg Cramps,

Humanist65 profile image
Humanist65

Even with the cancer. Arthritis could still be the cause. If bad enough checknwith your Dr

life8888 profile image
life8888

I get leg cramps on my on-week with xeloda/capecitabine, especially at night. Magnesium helps. If I drink an electrolyte drink every day it also prevents it, but it's hard when it's so cold outside and I only want to drink tea! Taking Zofran or Miralax also makes it worse. The electrolytes I use are Nuun tablets from amazon (hydration ones, not the immunity ones, because my onc told me to avoid vitamins a,c, and e). My old hiking friend also suggested something called salt sticks if you can't stand the taste of Nuun. My physical therapist also helps me with stretches when the cramping makes me too stiff to do more strenuous exercise.

Shafight profile image
Shafight

I was waking up with leg cramps. My nurse practitioner told me to drink quinine water at night it really helps.

love2golfwell profile image
love2golfwell

I have been on Ibrance and Letrozole for 15 months and I get cramps sometime at night in my legs. They definitely hurt. I find if I flex and point my foot I can get the cramp to ease up a bit and then I get out of bed and walk around a bit. That usually alleviates the cramp. Best wishes to you.

TammyCross profile image
TammyCross

I had something like that in my right foot. I wouldn't describe it as a cramp, though. As you say, it feels like the bones are in the wrong place. I would prop the side of my foot up with my other foot to stop the pain, get the side of my foot in the right place. I wondered if I had a fracture or something, but it only happened at night, in bed.

I was on Ibrance and Fulvestrant. Now I am not and the foot problem is gone.

Laskia profile image
Laskia

Hi, I've definitely experienced these pains and have been looking for some relief. I've started taking glucosamine and chondroitin tablets as I've heard they may help. This is an example of a small study that suggests the combination may help. It's from a reputable source.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/231...

Beattheodds profile image
Beattheodds

I see you’ve gotten some good suggestions. I’ve been on Ibrance and Arimidex for 30cycles but have now had to switch hormone blocker to Faslodex due to new lung nodules. I’ve had very intense rib cramps which I take Baclofen PRN. Onc suggested tonic water, which I ad some gin to (😜). I also have found the magnesium supplement Calm (you can get on Amazon) which is powder mixed in water or juice really helps. Be careful with this supplement since it also can loosen the bowels! Cramps can be so painful! Good luck!

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