I have had RSD since 2008 it started in my right foot and has now spread to 70% of my body. I have recently started experiencing bad cramps in my legs; mostly at night. The first one hit me so hard I was unable to walk. The cramp was in my right calf, but my entire leg from the big toe to the hip was numb with severe pain shooting up and down. It took a long time for it to go away my husband didn't know what to do. It finally subsided, but my leg was sore for days. I am now experiencing cramps just by moving my legs a certain way; I have to be really careful how I move them. My question is rather anyone else has experienced severe cramps with RSD. I know about he muscle spasms I have them regularly; this is something new and awful. Thanks in advance!

Hi nw31705, I also experience cramping in both legs from toes to buttocks and you're right, it's just horrible. I'm only 9months into RSD, a week past my 2nd ketamine infusion and the cramping is back to how it all began after my initial injury. I can't put a heating pad on my feet or lower legs because that's where I'm burning, but I alternate it from my buttocks to the fronts and backs of my thighs and behind my knees to get a little relief. Also make sure you're well hydrated and get your calcium and magnesium levels checked. Definitely check in with your pain doctor. I pray the rest of your night is better. Blessings-Eileen

Nw31705,
I too have awful cramps. I have Dystonia too and my left leg flails around. The cramps started in my legs. I have a baclofen pump that administers medication directly into my spine. It does help, but when the pump starts to get low or I over-do it, the cramps amp up. Very painful. Lately the cramps have moved to my upper body. They happen in my arms, ribs, diaphragm, pelvis, back, neck, and even in my tongue. Unfortunately, the cramps are so bad I cannot do much of anything physically without triggering them. I use Epsom salts as recommended by mrsD. I use a pan in the shower and soak my feet and wash with it. I've started on multivitamins, and I am mindful of my diet to include foods high in magnesium. It continues to be a struggle for me. I have an appointment with my neurologist this week. Perhaps she will have some suggestions. I hope you can resolve your boughts with bad cramps soon. Hoping for better days ahead for you.

Make sure to stay well hydrated, especially in the hot weather

Had to reply to this today - last night I had horrible cramps in both my feet, one after the other. It was after a good hour of sustained burning, and they had just cooled a bit and I was thinking 'phew' (like you do ). Caught me by surprise! I forget how debilitating and painful cramps are, and that was a bit of a wake-up call for me last night.

I really feel for you guys who have to deal with them regularly, I can't imagine how you cope day after day. Hope today at least is a bit better.

Bram.

You sound exactly like me even have had it same amount of time, just mine started in left ankle and I have it in my bladder. I have been flailing so bad in bed that my hubby has had to move to another bed, no fun. It hurts and I don't know what to do anymore. I only take 15mcg of morphine every 12hours. Seems no drs hear in Kentucky want to help. the cramping is all new after almost 5 years of spasms and pain, why does it always only seem to get worse?

I have to agree with find and others. I was having severe leg cramps in June. I've had RSD for ten years and its been full body for 7-8 years. I had never had severe cramps like this before. My doctrine did some lab work and I was severely dehydrated. I live in the SE and have a bottle of water by my side CONSTANTLY. I never would have thought that I was dehydrated. I have noticed that I really have to pay attention to that this summer and make myself drink more than I think need. Several times since that lab work, I have found myself having those same cramps but milder, so I have to reach for that bedside bottle of water. Remember too hat if you are taking narcotics and I think too, neurontin or Lyrica, those cause drying.

can your legs be rubbed for 2-10 minutes per day? this helps with circulation of a few things not just blood flow. the key is consistency. some oils and creams work better than others.

baclofen was mentioned above in a pump. if you are suffering from tremors that are so small now that you dont know you have them or your pain is covering it up, then maybe ask your dr. to try 5-10mg orally just to see if it works. too much baclofen has severe side affects but is easily resolved by going to a smaller dose or stopping all together.

heat-a warming blanket, thermacares, those things you can microwave for a minute or so(microwaveable wraps?), etc.

deeper and longer massage from a massage therapist. deeper and longer than the 2-10min rub referred above. does not mean deep tissue just what you can handle.

probably a dozen other suggestions could work but try these first.

I carry a homeopathic remedy for the cramps. It is mag Phos.
I was on Baclofin for so many years it no longer works. Now I am on Soma, but only take 1/2 of the pill as it makes me too spacey in the morning.

I had a cramp in my muscle this morning !! Very creepy..
I need to keep my mag Phos on hand in case that happens in the morning again.
RSD is strange that everyone has different symptoms and who knows what the body is going to do next.

My last post, I missed the most important muscle; the heart muscle was in a spasm..