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I starting getting cramps in my legs( from knee down) and toes ( duing the night or early morning) I dont know if its scleroderma related or not, anyone have this problem??
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Cramps in legs/toes
- By Annlee
- Posted November 1, 2009 at 8:08 am · 18 replies
- In General discussion
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Explore topics in this discussion:
CREST syndrome Lipitor Physical therapy Muscle cramps Pain Scleroderma Prednisone Polymyositis Fibromyalgia Osteoarthritis Reglan Stress
18 replies
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- By SamDeTray-11
- Posted November 1, 2009 at 8:45 am
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It might be you pastuim is low eat a few bananas and see if that helps. I get them too, I can remember my first time getting a cramp in my toes my son wanted to drive to the hospital at that time he did not have his license or temps. He just wanted to drive. He drove my car all the way up on the porch. It was funny but man did that hurt. If the bananas don't help ask the doctor what to do.. I
- By Coastiewife
- Posted November 2, 2009 at 9:33 am
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That was going to be my response too, eat more 'nannas!!! or take a suppliment.
- By Nico2
- Posted November 2, 2009 at 10:14 am
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I have been told that the water pill I take, removes the potassium from your body, so I supplement, and also eat bannans or potatoes are very high in potassium also. It works most of the time, but there might be something from SD that causes it also?
Nico2
- By kodak
- Posted November 2, 2009 at 2:42 pm
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I have been experience toe cramps for about 10 years now and no one can tell me why. Usually happens more in the winter than summer. Have asked several dr but they don't seem to have an answer for me. Potassium level is good...not on any meds that would cause problem. I try not to stretch my toes or feet at night or when it is cold...seems to help if you keep them warm. Hope that helps...wish I had more.
- By Annlee
- Posted November 3, 2009 at 6:55 am
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Interesting. Its not my potassium level. They checked out fine. My Docotr said he doesnt know either.. I just spoke to another woman who has the same issues with her toes and cramps, I think its a scleroderma issue. No one seems to have an answer. Usually just iaffects me in middle of the night or early morning. If you find the answer, please share.. thanks
- By I-Care
- Posted November 3, 2009 at 8:06 am
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Dear Annlee,
I am sorry about your cramps. I get them too. Its just recently started back. I have CREST syndrome, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis, Raynauds, and many different symtoms. From one day to the next its new or different. Its hard to pinpoint if its Scleroderma related or not. I also get these pains and cramps in my hands. I think it may be the Raynauds(and poor circulation) The weather has been colder and more damp in the last few days. I think what seems to help me are magnesium supplements(you can ask your Dr.) this helps with circulation and also the muscles. Also toe and foot circles, to help with the circulation, and a gentle massage after soaking in warm soapy water. I have been slipping a few days of doing these and I think thats why the symptoms have come back. I hope you can get relief soon. By the way the banannas are good for muscle cramps. One before bed is good. Wishing you the best.
I-Care
- By bettym43
- Posted November 4, 2009 at 1:26 pm
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The cramps in my fingers and toes happen all the time and it has nothing to do with potasium levels. I believe it is the disease. I can be sitting on the couch and wiggle my toes and they freeze in one position and cramp. I have to stand up to make it stop. The hands, it can be because I am doing something with my hands and they suddenly lock up. I have to take the other hand and force the fingers back in place. If I try to continue what I was doing they will just keep doing that until I stop. I have had this disease for a long time so I have just about experienced it all.
- By Libi
- Posted November 5, 2009 at 8:41 pm
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It's so weird to see this discussed here. I've been making a point of telling all of my Doc's (Rheumy, Pulmo, GP, Cardio) that I'm getting severe cramps in my feet, hands and now my abdominal muscles after crunches at the gym. I know it's not normal, I don't see anyone else walking around doubled over in pain or jumping off the treadmill to stretch their toes. My Potassium levels are fine, I eat a banana on the way to the gym, I take 2x prescription potassium and the cramps are still there. I have SD & raynauds and a few other issues. I'd love to know if there's a connection.
- By Kelia
- Posted November 6, 2009 at 6:14 pm
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Bettym43,
I have cramps in my hands & feet just like you! My hands really lock up and it's quite painful. Luckily it doesn't last very long. I made a note today to remind me to mention it to my Rheumy on Tuesday. Thought I'd mention it to my Endocrinologist next month too.
I have Limited Sclero (CrEsT) and Polymyositis.
Cheryle
- By peanut5
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 4:10 pm
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Actually, I have been getting cramps in my legs at night recently, I didn't relate it to the Crest though. Now you have me thinking. It seems that I get episodes where the crest will get dibilitatling and that is when I get the cramps.
- By stlmirela
- Posted November 8, 2009 at 8:28 am
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Hi Annie
I have same issue ..iv tryed to talk to my doc about it and she said she is not sure if its scleroderma related or not .Let me know if you find out otherwise
PS: Soak your feet in luke warm watter before you go to bed and it will lessen cramps.
- By KAYE45
- Posted November 8, 2009 at 4:52 pm
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I have the same issues - cramping in feet and hands - sometimes, it's really very painful. Mention to MD's - - they just look at me like Ok - so! I try to eat bananas to help. Still fight with hands especially if I try sewing or painting.
- By Gail101
- Posted November 11, 2009 at 3:51 pm
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I too get cramps in my toes, feet and legs. I have CREST and although like many of you, no Dr. has told me it is related to the CREST. I find it interesting that I seem to go through where I get them and then periods where I don't have any.
- By sjess
- Posted November 11, 2009 at 5:35 pm
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I've been having these symptoms too for about the past 4 months, though so far just in the feet and calf muscle. I am diagnosed with MCTD. Thanks for bringing it up. Glad to know I'm not alone with this.
- By Ctgal
- Posted November 12, 2009 at 9:14 am
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Yes, I had been getting terrible leg cramps in bed every night for a couple years. I do take magnesium supplement and potassium before bed also, but when I found out Lipitor can cause leg cramps, I stopped taking this prescribed drug. I haven't had a cramp since giving Lipitor up. I did tell my doctor about what I did when I saw her the other day. My cramping started many years ago in the toes, especially when driving. I was diagnosed with Sclero in the early 90's.
- By aminer9898
- Posted November 13, 2009 at 10:56 pm
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my nutritionist sent me to whole foods for liquid minerals containing calcium, potassium, magnesium for leg cramps. I had immediate releif. she also said to drink more water.
- By BarbW
- Posted November 14, 2009 at 11:55 am
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Cramps in the extremities, especially toes, are due to the tightening, thickening, shortening and sticking together of the tendons. This is due to the scleroderma build up of collagen in the fascia (tendons, ligaments, and the thin veil of fascia that lines the muscles). I have had a lot of muscular involvement over the past 4 to 5 years. Fortunately, I have access to good physical therapists who are willing to do the exhausting manual work necessary to keep me mobile. My physical therapist massages, stretches and pulls the tendons apart so my feet (as well as legs, fingers, arms) can move normally. Then I can do the stretches and exercises on my own. My disease was most active in the first couple of years and I had a lot of toe and foot cramping then. I was so happy when, through almost a year of twice-a-week physical therapy, I got to the point that I could stretch my toes without doubling over in pain every time.
- By rlamar
- Posted November 14, 2009 at 4:13 pm
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Amazing!!! I have been complaining to docs that I get cramps. Mostly, they look at me like a bull looking at a new gate. I get them in my legs,arms shoulders, and stomach if I stress or stain the muscles, they will cramp. Sometimes serverly, and up to 20 - 30 min. I have been told Reglan or prednisone will cause them, but I don't have any facts.
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