1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Muscle cramps down the back of my leg from hip to ankle

Posted , 8 users are following.

carlene22578
carlene22578

Just diagnosed with pmr. Started pred 3 days ago. Waiting on some relief. Awaken in the middle of the nite with severe pain in both shoulders and terrible pain and muscle cramping down the back of left leg. Anyone else have the leg issues?

1 like, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • 1951grumpa
    1951grumpa carlene22578

    Posted

    Carlene, I’ve had periodic cramping since I was diagnosed with PMR in 2011. At first in my hands, then my calves and feet. At first There were times when my hands would want to lock to the steering wheel when I was driving. Even now when on a low dose of prednisone 2.5 mg I’ve been awakened with a severe lower leg cramp. A few months ago right after a night cramp I had blood work done and except for mild anemia all other blood work results were normal. I just accepted that cramping is a part of my PMR. Take care, Geo.
  • EileenH
    EileenH carlene22578

    Posted

    What dose of pred are you taking? Have you had ANY relief? And what time do you call "middle of the night"?

    Many of us have cramps when on pred - but it is rather early to have the pred-related sort, pred makes you lose calcium and magnesium in the urine and sometimes magnesium supplements will help. I had cramps from the PMR - but mostly in my feet. 

    PMR is generally bilateral - but my suspicion for the left leg problems is that your low back muscles are in spasm and pinching your sciatic nerve. It does happen alongside PMR but the oral pred takes some time to improve that and more direct therapy wold be useful.

    • carlene22578
      carlene22578 EileenH

      Posted

      Usually starts around 2 am. Taking 20 mg of the prednisone. I take the prwd about 5:30 am and may start having some relief around 12pm
    • EileenH
      EileenH carlene22578

      Posted

      I wonder if it really is "just" PMR - the nighttime pain you describe is characterisitic of ankylosing spondylitis (earlier in the night than PMR pain) and it can produce symptoms that are easily confused with PMR.

      Forgot to ask before - does movement help the pain at all? And have you tried taking the pred BEFORE bed? Might be worth a try.

    • carlene22578
      carlene22578 EileenH

      Posted

      Movement seems to make the pain worse. Horrible time getting out of bed and trying to walk
    • EileenH
      EileenH carlene22578

      Posted

      That is less characteristic of the AS I mentioned.

      However - you must discuss it with the doctor as it sounds as if you are either not on an adequate dose of pred for YOU or you have something else. The first step is to try a higher dose. Then, if it still doesn't give you a 70% improvement in symptoms within up to a week you need to be referred to a rheumatologist for a more expert opinion.

      The other question I didn't ask was your age?

    • EileenH
      EileenH carlene22578

      Posted

      And got query PMR for your birthday!! Lovely - I know others who had the same.

      Just wondered if you were the "right" age group - you are.

    • carlene22578
      carlene22578 EileenH

      Posted

      At least we are not in this alone. I have been sitting here since 3am wondering how much longer this is gonna take before this pain eases up. I'm not one to sit around much and there is so much I want to do but can't. I will continue to try and be patient till the pred decides to work

  • BettyE
    BettyE carlene22578

    Posted

    What dose of steroids were you prescribed? If you have had little relief after three days then either your dose is too low or maybe it might not be PMR.

    It does vary for everyone, of course but it is not right if you have felt no relief in three days. I was given 30 mgs. when I was first diagnosed but these days that would be regarded on the high side. I was pain free in four hours. When I had PMR for the second time eight years later the same GP started me on 15 and then it took about 36 hours to feel the benefit and it was not 100% relief as on first occasion.

    Can you speak to your doctor ? I'm in UK and can ask for my GP to give me a call.

    Hope you get some relief very soon. Do stay in touch with this forum; there is plenty of experience on offer here.

    • carlene22578
      carlene22578 BettyE

      Posted

      Thank you so much for the info. With It being the weekend I'm not sure if I would get an answer from him. I really appreciate all the info and concern for each other on this site! I will keep you posted

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.