leg cramps and back pain | Arthritis Information

Hi guys! Does anyone here have leg and foot cramps at night? I have them in my left leg every morning around 4am. ASlso, does anyone else have severe back pain? Mine hurts all the way down my spine all day.

Does anyone know a remedy for these?

Thanks Guys!

Lost poet.. I was having the foot cramps.. I increased my potassium and that went away.. I have a double herniated L-5 disc that gives me daily pain even w/ the NSAIDS dosed ... I've just begun having major spasms in my back upon too much standing or carrying anything.. even a grocery bag...

Sorry to hear of your back spasma babs10. I don't have to do anything and my back hurts so bad I can barely move. Potassium huh? Can you buy that off the shelf?

Thanks for the quick reply.

I don't know about over the counter potassium; my doctor said that it doesn't metabolize well. I've had to drink this horrible prescription stuff to increase my potassium in the past, so now I try to eat foods with lost of postassium such as bananas and russet potatos. Also, leg/foot cramps can be from dehydration, so increase your water intake, as well.

Have you told your rheumy about the back pain? There are other forms of arthritis that affect the back, as well.

I hope you get to feeling better quite soon.

Robin

Thanks Robin. I am also very anemic and only weight 82 lbs. I go see my md tommorrow and my rd in august. I wonder if this combination may have something to do with it?Lostpoet -

When you see the MD - do not leave there without your previous chart. Get all of it and don't let them charge you for it. You're looking for the mineral panels. If your pot, mag and calcium are low (most of us are) you can 1) see if he'll give you a prescription and if not, 2) you can get the OTC. Just make sure it ends in 'ate' as that helps absorption. I take potassium asportate and that cut the leg cramps almost immediately. Teacherrobin is waaaaay correct, getting it from food is best but when you can't/don't then I'm all for a supp!

Hugs,

Pip

Thanks Pip! I didn't know you could request your chart. I will probably need that info to apply for disability.

Thanks a lot fot the other infor as wellalso make sure you are drinking plenty of water and get a referral to physical therapy to get some specific exercises and stretches for your back and legs. Weak tigt muscles spasm far more often than strong loose ones doOrange juice is very high in potassium. Thanks Buckeye, will do.
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