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Constant excruciating leg cramps
I was “diagnosed” with Fibro in 2009. I had a false pos for Lupus and so this is what they decided I have.
My symptoms increased and decreased in severity for years. About 11 years ago I started getting leg cramps in my sleep. Sure, everyone gets them, but mine would be calf and shin simultaneously. I couldn’t stretch one or the other, because the opposite would spasm more and cause terrible pain. I’d have it for a couple weeks and then it’d disappear.
I went through times were I was very active, in the gym all the time, hiking, etc. but then I’d get, say, tendinitis somewhere and have to lay off.
In august 2021 I fell. I’d been exercising and walking—up to 4 miles a day— for a couple months. I didn’t fall because of pain or disability, I just tripped in a normal way. But I landed in my face requiring stitches in three places, and got whiplash.
Since then, I’ve been downhill. But the cramps! I started getting them in both legs at night. Both shins, both calves, the feet. It decreases in intensity, but hasn’t gone away. Then it increases again. It used to stop when I was up and around, but now both legs are pretty much in spasm all day. It spread to my hamstrings (never as bad), and now I have it in my forearms.
The rheumatologist found “nothing wrong”. The neurologist found “nothing wrong”. He put me on gabapentin, but anything more than 300mg once a day turns me into an a$$h*le. And doesn’t help.
The doctors literally wipe their hands and say, “that’s just your Fibro.”
Is it? I’ve never read about that with Fibro. 🙁
56 yo. Used to bodybuild. Played women’s pro football 20 years ago. Used to cycle, swim, etc.
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As a 56 years old female, you are probably in menopause. Try taking about 40 mg of progesterone cream from your local health food store. Rub on wrists, behind knees and let me know in a couple of weeks if this helps.
@mpg0514forlisa
I get a lot of leg cramps mostly due to a rare neuropathy, but have noticed dehydration, salty foods or caffeine are triggers. Calf cramps are excruciating and I’m sure you know you stand on that leg to push the foot flat to get it out. You can also manually push her foot back toward her shin to get it out. Ankle, shin and side of knee cramps are less painful but harder to get out. Once started it will keep happening all night unless I use a muscle massager. I use one with two rubber thumpers to be sure it covers the whole area then turn it up to level 10 as that seems to break up the cramping cycle in just a couple minutes and I’m good for the night. It hurts a bit but worth it. I’ve wondered if using that on my legs for 10 minutes before bed would prevent cramps but I go to bed late, live in a condo and it’s loud so I’m afraid of waking up the neighbors. Such a frustrating problem. You’re a good husband. I hope some of the suggestions in this thread help. I also keep the covers untucked so they don’t push my toes down causing a calf cramp and for a fast exit out of bed.
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2 Reactions@mpg0514forlisa
The muscle massager I have is 30 years old from Walmart but looks something like this. Probably any of them would work.
https://www.amazon.com/Hangsun-Handheld-Massager-Percussion-Massagers/dp/B07GWTF4JT
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1 Reaction@mpg0514forlisa
A visit to her bariatric Dr in needed asap and he or she can order labs like a CMP. Her sodium, potassium and a baseline magnesium should be done. Usually bariatric Drs have nutritionist that work for them they can assess her diet and fluid intake annd see her labs and see how best to treat her with fluids, diet and supplements. Your wife’s problem stems from fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Supplements can cause more problems if not paired well with other supplements, especially in your wife’s case. Drs rarely divulge to there patients who have these surgeries all the long term detrimental consequences of these types of surgeries. They may but not to the extent that they should.
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1 ReactionSo sorry you are going through this. I don’t know why we have the best doctors and yet we can’t get the answers we need. I pray for your relief and healing.
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1 Reaction@mpg0514forlisa when I have those terrible cramps in the night I get up and walk as soon as possible and then stretches. It really does help.
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1 ReactionI have peripheral neuropathy for a year or more. I have tried every potion that has been told to me. Nothing works. I have researched and researched this! I am beginning to suspect the Losartan blood pressure medication that was prescribed for me about the same time my neuropathy kicked in. I sure wonder how many of you out there might be wondering or are convinced that the Losartan could be responsible for our malaise!
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1 Reaction@susanmaria
I would not try that.
One has to worry about breast cancer.
I do not know if this would make you more susceptible.
@californiazebra thanks for the suggestions. I will show these to her and decide what to do. She just got another real bad one. Thanks for the info on the muscle messager. I didn't know there was such a thing.
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