Muscle spasms

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Muscle spasms
2
Wed, 06-20-2007 - 11:03pm

I could have sworn I read somewhere that diabetes can cause muscle spasms/cramps, but now I can't find anything on it.  Anybody kbnow if there is a connection?


For about the last 6 months, I have been hit with TERRIBLE muscle spasms all over my body--my jaw, my hand or just my thumbs, sides, upper abdomen and every part of my leg.  Though I've had problems with spasms in my feet & the front of my calves for years (usually when I've done a lot of walking or standing), it seems like I'm getting one or more spasms a day and even several at once that totally incapcitate me.  DD says my muscles stand out like a taught rope--heat and massage, along with contra-contraction help, but I can be in agony for up to 15 minutes before it does.  Sometimes I can pin it to a particular movement, but I could do the same movement 50 times a day and only have the spasm once. 


I guzzle water CONSTANTLY so I'm sure dydration isn't the cause and started a potassium supplement several months ago, but have noticed no change.  My "wonderful" GP gave me some cyclobenzeprine (muscle relaxant), after I had a mega one in her office,which helps  although it makes me so sleepy & you're not supposed to take it for more than 3 weeks (plus I just discovered there are warnings about taking it if you have an overactive thyroid).    Any ideas?


I'm still looking for anew GP--they either aren't taking new patients or insist on doing a full physical, which I just had so my insurance won't pay for another one & I sure don't have the $ to pay on my own.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed though I'm waiting to hear from 2 different docs, to see if they'll waive that requirement.


Thanks,


Marci

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: kcisis
Thu, 06-21-2007 - 12:05am

Marci,


I don't know the answer to this. Most often the muscle spasms are caused by the statin drugs that many of us take for our cholesterols. But I have not heard of diabetes itself causing muscle spasms. I hope someone else has an idea.


iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
In reply to: kcisis
Thu, 06-21-2007 - 4:11pm

You may have provided the answer--I take statins, too.