Weird cramp type pain in outer, lower thigh (just above knee)?

[Blue_feather]

It spans no more than the circumference of a wine glass, but it feels very strange; it is a mild tightening/pain (feels rather like like cramp), and I have been getting it for a few days. On each occasion, it lasts somewhere between a few seconds and a few minutes. No colour changes in the area if that helps. Hoping someone can enlighten me as to what it might be and/or whether it is related to Limited Scleroderma.

[Intimeslikethese]

Has your doctor tested your potassium levels? If low, do they suggest eating bananas or potatoes? Could it be like restless leg syndrome? When I had something similar, my doctor here in US told me to drink Tonic Water for the cramps (it's very bitter)

[Blue_feather in reply to Intimeslikethese]

Many thanks for your reply; I was due a blood panel in March, but I am too scared to go anywhere near my local hospital at the moment. Looking at two previous blood test results, my potassium was 4.9 (top of range being 5.2), so the high end of the normal range.

I have some tonic water in the cabinet so will give that a go - thanks for the suggestion.

I looked up restless leg syndrome, but it doesn't describe what I am experiencing: mine is more of a localized feeling of contraction lasting a few seconds.

[Intimeslikethese in reply to Blue_feather]

Mine was a feeling as if I was going to cramp. I purchased the tonic water but never drank it for it seemed to disappear. Does it seem to occur from being in a certain position? Mine was usually when sitting on bedside. I have similar feeling elsewhere when I feel my fascia underneath my skin is tightening. Physical therapy told me to stretch my arms to loosen that across my chest and now I have multiple keloids forming from tearing the tissue underneath. So be gentle if you try to stretch out that area. A cream called Topricin may relieve that area for you. It works for me on my arms.

[Blue_feather in reply to Intimeslikethese]

Many thanks for your question, but no, it doesn't come from being in a certain position. I have only noticed it while walking about - out with the dog for example.

[Intimeslikethese in reply to Blue_feather]

I understand the avoidance right now. Stay safe

[KatieAnna]

Hi, I had that too for a while. I told my GP who said it's not cramp as there aren't any muscles in the knee, just tendons and ligaments. My potassium is normal. It's a weird feeling but not the same as cramp and it doesn't pull any joints up or down. I describe it more as if something inside my knee is tightening a draw string and making it feel hollow. Mine went away after a few months. Sorry i can't be more helpful.

[Blue_feather in reply to KatieAnna]

Thanks for the reply, Katie. The sensation - if measured - would be approx' 2 inches above the side of the end of the right kneecap rather than in the knee and it spans about a palm width (not including the fingers actually - having measured it).

Lol! I guess it is one of those physiological mysteries autoimmune folk sometimes present with.

[KatieAnna in reply to Blue_feather]

I think you're right! I don't even bother expecting an explanation for lots of odd symptoms now!!

I hope yours gets better soon.