Muscle cramping

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/4/99 5:59:39 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

DMSplustwo@... writes:

<< Does anyone else get muscle cramping...I've had severe cramping in my arms

and legs since Feb. 22. The onset was sudden and it's been consistent every

day since. I had a subtotal thyroidectomy in Sept 98. >>

Hi Diane,

I think you might have to take large doses of calcium, magnesium, and

vitamin D and also make sure you get out in the sun a lot. Sunshine is

extremely important and daily exposure should help a lot. The thyroid

produces a second hormone, calcitonin, which is involved in calcium

metabolism. Now you have lost the ability to make that. If you continue to

have problems, there is a nasal calcitonin spray made from salmon (the fish),

which your doctor should be able to get for you. I can't say for sure that

it will help, but it would certainly seem worth a try if the other measures

don't solve the problem.

Don't neglect this because it's important to maintain your cal/mag

metabolism to avoid osteoporosis. Also, make sure you're taking boron,

silicon, etc.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Diane ---

Have you tried MSM? I used to have such bad muscle cramping that it would

keep me awake at night, but after I started MSM the pain went away!

>Does anyone else get muscle cramping...I've had severe cramping in my arms

>and legs since Feb. 22. The onset was sudden and it's been consistent every

>day since. I had a subtotal thyroidectomy in Sept 98. I felt great

>afterward and didn't take any replacement thyroid hormone until January when

>I started going hypo. I am on Levoxyl .1mg/day and my blood levels are all

>within the normal ranges, but I am miserable...I can't work out any more and

>day to day tasks are very difficult. I take 50 mg. amytriptyline (sp?) at

>night to sleep and after last week, started taking Xanax .25 mg twice a day.

>Does anyone have any suggestions?

>Thanks for any help.

>Diane

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Does your free web site address contain more letters than the alphabet?

>Register a domain name with DomainDirect. A domain with NO hosting fees.

>Visit http://clickhere./click/49 for full details.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

What is MSM?

Thanks

Re: Muscle cramping

Diane ---

Have you tried MSM? I used to have such bad muscle cramping that it would

keep me awake at night, but after I started MSM the pain went away!

>Does anyone else get muscle cramping...I've had severe cramping in my arms

>and legs since Feb. 22. The onset was sudden and it's been consistent

every

>day since. I had a subtotal thyroidectomy in Sept 98. I felt great

>afterward and didn't take any replacement thyroid hormone until January

when

>I started going hypo. I am on Levoxyl .1mg/day and my blood levels are all

>within the normal ranges, but I am miserable...I can't work out any more

and

>day to day tasks are very difficult. I take 50 mg. amytriptyline (sp?) at

>night to sleep and after last week, started taking Xanax .25 mg twice a

day.

>Does anyone have any suggestions?

>Thanks for any help.

>Diane

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Does your free web site address contain more letters than the alphabet?

>Register a domain name with DomainDirect. A domain with NO hosting fees.

>Visit http://clickhere./click/49 for full details.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Regarding muscle cramping, I know when this happens to my husband it is because

he is dehydrated. Drinking Gatoraid helps him to avoid this. It occurs when he

is working really hard (he was remodeling our vacation home in Tahoe) and

forgets to drink fluids. Also, when he plays golf he drinks a mixture of half

orange juice and half water. This has prevented the cramping from occuring.

My wonderful 98 year old mother (who lives in her home by herself, God bless

her) also has cramping in the night and her doctor prescribed quinine pills for

her and they have stopped the cramping. These pills are a stronger dosage than

just drinking quinine water but at first he said to drink 1/2 cup of quinine

water before going to bed. But, the pills were easier for her so he prescribed

those.

I hope these suggestions help...I know this cramping can be terribly painful.

Louise

[ ] muscle cramping

It has been a while since I have posted actually, too. But this is a topic that

I don't recall seeing much of, but does anyone have muscle cramping?

This has been a big problem with me this summer. I don't know if I am getting

dehydrated or what, but it is driving me NUTS! I will wake up with severe

cramping in my legs. The other day, I was in the pool, and my daughter had to

rub a major cramp out of my calf front muscle before I could get out of the

pool. Seemed that my foot was " stuck " in the up position.

Then, this AM, I woke up with my foot in the side out position. In the middle

of the night, I had the back of the thigh cramp and tried to get my husband to

wake up to rub it out, but he didn't and it eventually went away.

Anyway, I will be interested to find out if anyone else has dealt with this.

Debby

[Guest guest]

I too have cramping when I become dehydrated and dont eat enough bananas

MO

[ ] muscle cramping

It has been a while since I have posted actually, too. But this is a topic

that I don't recall seeing much of, but does anyone have muscle cramping?

This has been a big problem with me this summer. I don't know if I am getting

dehydrated or what, but it is driving me NUTS! I will wake up with severe

cramping in my legs. The other day, I was in the pool, and my daughter had to

rub a major cramp out of my calf front muscle before I could get out of the

pool. Seemed that my foot was " stuck " in the up position.

Then, this AM, I woke up with my foot in the side out position. In the middle

of the night, I had the back of the thigh cramp and tried to get my husband to

wake up to rub it out, but he didn't and it eventually went away.

Anyway, I will be interested to find out if anyone else has dealt with this.

Debby

[Guest guest]

It's hard to say need more info did he just start working out or is this his

reg. program. Most do better and gain more muscle on TRT but one needs to get

leveled off. It's best to get his levels of Total and Free T up into the upper

1/3 of his labs range or where he feels his best. Then it takes time for the

body to undo the damage done by low T. This is a slow process. I would do more

testing Cortisol, Thyroid, Iron or Ferritin, V-D, Copper and others.

Trisha Mountan <tmountan@...> wrote: Hi Phil and all -

I have posted previously about my DH's testosterone. He has been on

testosterone injections for the past 2 months now. His serum

testosterone has gone from 206 to 886. He is feeling better overall,

although not perfect yet. One troubling symptom has developed though.

Whenever he exercises, whatever muscles he is using begin to cramp up

to the point that he often has to stop. Sometimes he gets tingling

and numbness as well. None of this happens unless he is exercising.

We realize it could be a magnesium or potassium deficiency or some

other deficiency I suppose. I was just wondering if this has anything

to do with the testosterone levels at all or if anyone else has

experienced this?

Thanks!

Trish

Co-Moderator " Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what you see. "

Phil

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

I would look at any other changes he may have made recently? Has he

started a cholesterol reducing drug (statins)? They are notorious for

making working out painful.

Also, maybe the T is causing him to work out harder

subconsciously...he might be overdoing it without thinking about it.

On May 2, 2008, at 7:05 AM, Trisha Mountan wrote:

> Hi Phil and all -

>

> I have posted previously about my DH's testosterone. He has been on

> testosterone injections for the past 2 months now. His serum

> testosterone has gone from 206 to 886. He is feeling better overall,

> although not perfect yet. One troubling symptom has developed though.

> Whenever he exercises, whatever muscles he is using begin to cramp up

> to the point that he often has to stop. Sometimes he gets tingling

> and numbness as well. None of this happens unless he is exercising.

> We realize it could be a magnesium or potassium deficiency or some

> other deficiency I suppose. I was just wondering if this has anything

> to do with the testosterone levels at all or if anyone else has

> experienced this?

>

> Thanks!

> Trish

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, Lori, I had toe cramping when I was about 7. Hated to wear school shoes.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Hi Lori,

 

My neurosurgeon told me that muscle cramps can be caused by an imbalance in

muscle strength.  With CMT, muscles weaken at different rates causing an

imbalance of strength, which can result in muscle cramps.  This can happen early

on.

 

I've also read the damaged nerves can cause muscle twitching and cramps,

specifically they called it motor nerve hyperexcitability.  Not sure if this

would happen early on.

 

From: Lori Mattheiss <mattheiss137@...>

Subject: muscle cramping

Date: Friday, September 25, 2009, 6:14 PM

 

Could muscle cramping in toes and feet be an early sign of CMT?

Lori

[Guest guest]

Thanks, guess I should get my daughter over to the dr now also. Although she

seems less likely to cramp with shoes on than barefoot. She said it has been

happening for about 6 months but more frequently lately and more painful.

Lori

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2009 11:15 AM

Subject: Re: muscle cramping

Yes, Lori, I had toe cramping when I was about 7. Hated to wear school

shoes.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

My physiotherapy team from the UK's National Hospital for Neurology have told me

similar things to what says - that it can be a sign of muscle imbalance,

muscle use, nutrition imbalance, or nerve conditions.

According to my medical advice, there is no research that shows that cramping or

muscle twitches are in any way a sign of " nerves dying " however the nerve damage

of CMT can certainly cause both cramping and twitching.

I have found that with regular magnesium my cramping is significantly less - I

am not sure if this is a placebo effect or a real cause-effect, but regardless

my medical team tells me to keep with the magnesium as less cramps, no matter

what the reason, are good.

Good luck,

Donna from London

www.myfitnessyear.com

[Guest guest]

It could simply be a sign of cal/mag or vitamin C deficiency. I get cramps in

muscles that I under use when I finally get around to using them if I've been

lax with my diet. I unfortunately tend to like to nosh and ski the good stuff

even though I know better.

From: Lori Mattheiss <mattheiss137@...>

Subject: muscle cramping

Date: Friday, September 25, 2009, 9:14 PM

 

Could muscle cramping in toes and feet be an early sign of

CMT?

Lori

[Guest guest]

Donna,

How much magnesium do you take to help with muscle cramps? 

Ruth

 

[Guest guest]

Hi Ruth,

I am taking 300mg of magnesium a day. This was prescribed to me by a trained

nutrionist (dietician).

Donna

www.myfitnessyear.com

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Donna. I'll try it.

Ruth

 

[Guest guest]

The below may be relevant

<http://www.scientificamerican.com/askexpert/biology/biology64/>

Mark A W s

Muscle cramping is a common problem encountered by athletes and nonathletes

alike. Defined as painful involuntary skeletal muscle contractions, cramps

may be categorized as either nonexercise related or exercise related. The

etiology of the former group may involve hormonal, electrolyte or metabolic

imbalances, or it may result from long-term medication. Diagnostic medical

testing may be required if cramps are a persistent problem. Exercise-related

muscle cramps (ERMC) are much more common. They typically affect the large

muscles of the legs during or immediately after exercise and last for seconds

to a few minutes. These are typically benign but result in intense pain and

may not seem innocuous at the time.

There is little definitive knowledge of the etiology of ERMC. Traditionally,

such cramping was believed to arise from dehydration, electrolyte imbalances

(including magnesium, potassium and sodium), accumulation of lactic acid, or

low cellular energy levels. These proposals, however, have been shown to have

minimal scientific value.

More recent developments indicate that the cause of cramps most likely

involves hyperactivity of the nerve-muscle reflex arc. In this scheme, some

of the normal inhibitory activity of the central nervous system (CNS)

reflexes is lost as a result of CNS fatigue or overuse of feedback

communication with muscles. These spinal reflexes use two receptors, known as

Golgi tendon organs and muscles spindles, found in skeletal muscles. Golgi

tendon organs may become inhibited and muscles spindles can become

hyperactive, leading to sustained activation of the muscle.

It has been suggested that prolonged sitting, poor or abnormal posture or

inefficient biomechanics (all of which may be related to poor flexibility)

predispose these reflexes to malfunctioning. Age also seems to predispose

individuals to cramping--the phenomenon may develop later in life for people

who exercise for years without prior problems. Other factors include

increased body weight and improper footwear. Eccentric muscle contraction and

other musculoskeletal injuries can contribute to the problem.

If a muscle's hyperexcitability is the basis of cramping, then stretching

should attenuate the response. In evidence, it is well recognized that, once

induced, stretching the affected muscle can ameliorate cramping. Stretches

should be held for 15 to 30 seconds or until the muscle relaxes and the cramp

does not recur when the muscle is returned to its normal relaxed position. In

addition, once cramping starts, exercise should be curtailed for at least an

hour, which allows the muscles and the CNS to recover. It is never a good

idea to " run through " these cramps. Applying heat to the area for a few

minutes while stretching may also help the muscle.

Prophylactic stretching of the major muscles of the lower limbs for at least

five to 10 minutes during warm-up and cool-down periods can help prevent

cramps. The importance of flexibility cannot be overstated, particularly for

older athletes. Other recommendations include minimizing running hills and

stairs (limiting eccentric contractions); undergoing a biomechanical

evaluation of your exercise technique; making sure shoes and other equipment

are appropriate and not excessively worn. If, after a few months, cramps do

not respond to these measures, see a qualified sports physician or physical

therapist.

============================

Carruthers

Wakefield, UK

[Guest guest]

might first try some minerals,   calcium, magnesium and pottasium...

________________________________

From: sb2boys <sb2boys@...>

Sent: Wed, June 23, 2010 2:35:41 PM

Subject: Muscle Cramping

 

Has anyone found anything (supplement or medicine) that helps with muscle

cramping?

Thank you for your help.

Sue

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue,

Muscle cramping for healthy people can mean not enough potassium. A banana or

two can solve that or taking a supplement.

But for us, it is an entirely different matter and while potassium may be part

of the picture, I think there is more to it.

For general, long term muscle issues, I use the following:

Malic Acid

Magnesium Citrate

High quality Mineral supplement (not Trace minerals that include nickel, tin,

etc).

and if it is really bad = Robaxin (usually generic called Methocarbomol)

I am finding that the LDN is helping my fibro pain as well so I am not on muscle

relaxers any more.

HTH, you did say cramping and my suggestions are for more muscle aches/pains.

Marti

>

> Has anyone found anything (supplement or medicine) that helps with muscle

cramping?

>

> Thank you for your help.

>

> Sue

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Sue,

Balancing my minerals helps the most of anything for me, especially

magnesium & potassium. I've been using Doctor's Data UTM/UEE tests

every couple months to check levels.

Marcia on

in Salem, Massachusetts

On Jun 23, 2010, at 2:35 PM, sb2boys wrote:

> Has anyone found anything (supplement or medicine) that helps with

> muscle cramping?

>

> Thank you for your help.

>

> Sue

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Marti,

What have you found to be that " high quality mineral supplement " ?

Really wanting to know, as this muscle pain just keeps ramping up

Sharon

> Hi Sue,

> Muscle cramping for healthy people can mean not enough potassium. A

> banana or two can solve that or taking a supplement.

>

> But for us, it is an entirely different matter and while potassium may

be part of

> the picture, I think there is more to it.

>

> For general, long term muscle issues, I use the following:

>

> Malic Acid

> Magnesium Citrate

> High quality Mineral supplement (not Trace minerals that include

nickel, tin,

> etc).

>

> and if it is really bad = Robaxin (usually generic called

Methocarbomol)

>

> I am finding that the LDN is helping my fibro pain as well so I am not

on

> muscle relaxers any more.

>

> HTH, you did say cramping and my suggestions are for more muscle

> aches/pains.

>

> Marti

>

>

> >

> > Has anyone found anything (supplement or medicine) that helps with

> muscle cramping?

> >

> > Thank you for your help.

> >

> > Sue

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

I like the Albion Chelated minerals. It is in various formulas. The formula I

use is Swansons' Albion chelated multi mineral.

I have heard/read that chelated is not good for us (can't remember - maybe Yasko

- unsure) but for all the mineral supplements I have taken over the years, it is

the only one that I actually feel. The Swanson's formula also has digestive

enzymes so I think that helps absorption. Other formulas probably do as well

but you could take Betaine HCL or Vinegar before a meal and kill two birds with

one stone.

I like the Gillham Natural Calm magnesium. That is another product that I

actually feel. I just noticed that it is less expensive at Vitacost that what I

paid for it at Whole Foods. I purchased it locally just to try it and I liked

it. Not sure how it helps muscle pain as that is resolved with LDN and I have

only tried one bottle so I don't have a good test.

Be careful with Potassium. There is a reason that it only comes in 99mg doses.

So take it spaced throughout the day. (can disintegrate in one place in the

stomach and cause tissue damage if taking more than 99mg.

hth,

Marti

> >

> > Has anyone found anything (supplement or medicine) that helps with muscle

cramping?

> >

> > Thank you for your help.

> >

> > Sue

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I also have debilitating muscle cramps... minerals and supplements aren't

helping. One of my doctors suggested my thyroid is too low, so she raised my

dose. Now it's too high instead, and there was no improvement.

What's LDN? sorry if I missed that somewhere. My brain, not so great today.

I've been using soma, because it's been the only thing that sort of helps that

doesn't make me nauseous. But I sometimes think that it perpetuates the problem.

I also have a fibro diagnosis along with a host of other things.

These muscle cramps are awful.

thanks!

> >

> > Has anyone found anything (supplement or medicine) that helps with muscle

cramping?

> >

> > Thank you for your help.

> >

> > Sue

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue,

I have a friend that has to take very high doses of calcium and magnesium to get

relief from her muscle spasms...smaller doses don't work for her. So, you might

have to experiment with your doses and take them up higher than you normally

would to get relief. Deb

>

> Has anyone found anything (supplement or medicine) that helps with muscle

cramping?

>

> Thank you for your help.

>

> Sue

>

[Guest guest]

My dr. gave me natural calm yesterday and I took a rounded teaspoon full last

night. It gave me energy and I was able to dance around on the trampoline. I had

trouble getting down to sleep. I think I will try it earlier. I also had a very

loose BM in the AM as a result. joyce

> > >

> > > Has anyone found anything (supplement or medicine) that helps with muscle

cramping?

> > >

> > > Thank you for your help.

> > >

> > > Sue

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Joyce,

It just goes to show that even though there are similarities, there can be major

differences.

The first time I tried it, I was far from home, after an upsetting doctors

appointment, waiting out the traffic at a Whole Foods when I decided to eat a

bite and try the product (little sample packet).

I got so relaxed, I couldn't drive home! I was afraid of falling asleep or not

driving well. It took me from an angry agitated state to mellow. Very few

supplements work that quickly on me.

I purchased a bottle and I like the BM's as I tend towards constipation. I take

it at bedtime to help me sleep as does my son. He also never feels the effects

of supplements or medication (he's worse than me) but he feels it helps him

relax so he can wear his CPAP mask.

Marti

> > > >

> > > > Has anyone found anything (supplement or medicine) that helps with

muscle cramping?

> > > >

> > > > Thank you for your help.

> > > >

> > > > Sue

> > > >

> > >

> >

>