Left Leg Cramps

[cutie4747]

Hi all:
Quick question - I have been having leg cramps/pain on left side (entire leg from heel to hip) on and off for several months now. Seems to be worse around menstration,but can happen anytime in which I often recieve few hours of severe fatigue before it comes on. Weakness normally accompanies it which makes it difficult to walk and lasts anywhere from a few hours to 1-3 days.
I am currently on day #4 of cramping leg (and left arm this time) but no weakness - which is a bit odd but very welcome. It wouldn't be that bad except that it is painful.
Starting to feel a bit like a hypochondriac - so any suggestions or information welcome :)
Does this qualify as leg spasms? spacticity? i am undx so is there any home remedy i can try?
thanks in advance :)

[sllowe]

Hi Cutie,

Though I'm dx'd I still have a hard time sometimes determining the difference between some of my spasms. i.e., muscle spasm vs MS spasm. Especially the ones I get in my feet.

We do have a good HP on spasticity if you get a chance to read it.

I would say since it's affecting you for months now, definitely get it looked at to know how to treat it. In the meantime, you can try to increase your fluids, and see if that helps.

Sorry to not be so helpful :(
-Shell

[vidalouise]

I have had leg cramps for years. When I am in a flare they tell me its spasticity and spasms. When I'm not in a flare they tell me that it is restless leg syndrome since it mostly happens at night. I have taken neurontin for it but now take requip. They both seem to help a little. I have also been on the muscle relaxers baclofen and zanaflex, but neither seemed to make much of a difference. Dantrium on the other hand and helped tremendously for spasticity and spasms, but the downfall is that it can increase weakness.

I haven't ever had much luck with natural remedies.  But I think I remember reading that quinine can help with leg cramps. It is found naturally in tonic water, I think...maybe it's soda water. It's one of the two. If you read the label it should say.

Oh. And my GP has recently put me on vitamin D. She said that a vitamin D deficiency could cause increased muscle pain and cramps, but I have yet to see any real improvement.

I have also heard that soaking in a hot Epsom salt bath can help. Something about absorbing minerals or something from it.

I am sorry you are going through thus and I hope that someone else will be able to give more help :-)

Bright Blessings,
April

[cutie4747]

anyone?