SEVERE FOOT AND HIP CRAMPING

[jmjm530]

Since starting treatment I've had periodic cramping in the joint where my right thigh meets the hip bone. In other words, way high up. Like most cramps, painful but usually they release in a minute or so. Therefore never really thought that much about it.  

Yesterday afternoon, I had an extremely painful cramp on my right toe extending up the top of my foot. The cramp actually "locked" my right toe and (arch front) in an up position. Sounds funny but quite the opposite. Could not get it to release for over five minutes. Had three or four more episodes during the night -- not sure if they woke me up or I was awake and just had them. Painful and long enough that at one point I started gathering my stuff together in case I had to make a quick trip to the ER. Tried a heating pad and some gentle self-massage each time after it released but still came back.

I realize this may have absolutely nothing to do with Hep C treatment and I have had some cramping in the past but usually in my calve and nothing lasting this long.

Wondering if anyone has had this happen on treatment or simply has any suggestions. If it keeps happening I may see a physical theapist but of course in the back of my mind is some sort of joint issues from all the interferon. Thanks.

-- Jim

[FlGuy]

As a runner you know that adequate potassium is required to avoid cramping.  Not sure if you've been more active these days to cause depletion.  Pre-tx I had a lot of cramping issues, but was more active in hot weather back then. Always loaded up on supplements, OJ, bananna's and magnesium.  Going with the potassiun concept (probably off base) what kind of water do you drink? If distilled, could lack electrolytes?  Also wonder if the riba could cause red cell impacts to 'K'.  Maybe it's just your mind and body sending you a not-so-subtle message?  Taking any diuretics? Any change to BP?

[beamishboy]

my joints,muscles ache chronically;lower back(kidneys?) neck,shoulders;sciatica down entire leg to &including foot;hands,shoulders-every bodypart i've ever injured reminds me of my ongoing 'youthful indiscretions'.......i stop using pain meds for 1 or2 days per week,attemptin to prevent total loss of effectiveness& or dependency..These are my absolute agony days-of course! Yestrday felt like i had survived major car accident or a brutal baseball bat beating:Flu-like symptoms?? more or less...spent 13 hrs in bed the remainder on the couch:couldn't read 0r watch tv-thnk god for radio& an incredible ability to sleep for extended hazy hours..Today.by comparison,i feel like a million bucks-still not good,but bearable........Jim,you will soon be past the daily toxins,at which point i am sure things will get bettr!!!! Trx meds sux,part of the unpaved path to SVR-get yourself a serious fullbody massage

[Califia]

I've found that a gram of magnesium (at minimum) will definitely interrupt the cramping episodes.  As a preventative, equal amounts of calcium and magnesium daily.   Been there w/ the paralytic parrot imitations, and the pain you're describing is no picnic.  

Not sure that interferon is directly culpable, but the cascade of effects can certainly lead to nutritional defieicnes of all sorts.  I remember that you've spoken of problems with excess acid production, probably exacerbated by the evil riba.  If you're taking antiacids on a regular basis, malabsorption of various nutrients could be a result.   Hell, I was NOT taking antiacids on tx and WAS supplementing, and still ended up with a B12 deficiency that has caused all sorts of neuro problems....go figure.   At any rate,  you might want to check out a book called _Digestive Wellness_ by Elizabeth Lipski (Keats 1996), which is a pretty intelligent treatment of nutritional approaches to all sorts of physical kinks.  

Try the magnesium and see if it doesn't get you out of trouble.  So sorry you're going through this....

[amirtracy]

Me too Jim. I'm only 4/48 but my left hip is killing me. It's way up high too where my let meets my pelvis. The last 2 days it's been constantly aching. keeps me awake. Read it's part of the tx? Good luck. Hope you feel better.   tracy

[jmjm530]

Been drinking a lot of tea the last few days. So maybe it's the diuretic effect of the caffeine as you suggest although I've read at least one study that have debunked the "coffee is dehydrating" theory. These days I drink mostly Fiji water which is not distilled. Had to stop with the electrolyte sport drinks like Gatorade because of my GERD (reflux) but maybe I can find something less acidic to tolerate at the health store. Thanks for the tips -- with all the drugs I'm on you never know.

-- Jim

[Tonyz]

I can relate to the cramping that you are having. During TX I also experienced several bout's of cramps in my foot and right hip.
I was taking several different supplement at the time including magnesium, Zinc and calcium.

I found no patten to the attacks. I might have several cramps within a couple days, then nothing for Weeks or more. The even persisted for some time post TX.

I am now 1.5 years post TX, I have not had the cramps for some time.

  The Supplements that califa mentioned, very well could take care of the problem.

   Blessings to you

           TonyZ