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How can I stop the twitching and cramping in my legs at night?

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
February 2
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Answer Summary

Members responded to a question about nighttime leg twitching and cramping with a mix of practical remedies and personal experiences,... Read more

Members responded to a question about nighttime leg twitching and cramping with a mix of practical remedies and personal experiences, including battery-operated heated socks, leg massagers, pickle juice, Icy Hot, Bengay, and heating pads for relief. Several members with myasthenia gravis shared an important caution that magnesium supplements and Epsom salt may worsen MG symptoms by interfering with nerve and muscle signals, while one member noted that Mestinon itself can cause cramping if a person stays inactive. A recurring theme was that many factors like diabetes, nerve damage, and electrolyte imbalances can all contribute, making it important to research carefully and ask doctors questions.

A MGteam Member

Correct me if I’m wrong but I thought we aren’t suppose to take magnesium with MG?

February 8
A MGteam Member

Okay Gerald, this is what I found out for you.
Soft water is generally considered safe and not directly" Bad" for M G.
The amount of sodium added to water through a, standard ion- exchange softener is typically very small.
Negligible sodium increases: an 8 oz glass of softened water generally contains less than 12.5 mg of sodium which is classified as "Very Low sodium" by the FDA. Foremost people, this is too little to have a negative health effect.

If you take steroids (prednisone) which can cause fluid retention. Therefore, doctors May recommend a diet low in sodium to manage this side effect.
Gerald, I hope this helps. You ease your mind on the sodium that you drink through your water. Have a good day, have a blessed day

February 4
A MGteam Member

I use pickle juice. One good shot and it stops it right away.

February 2
MGteam

How can nighttime leg twitching and cramping be managed?

Nighttime leg cramps are a common challenge with myasthenia gravis, especially if you're taking pyridostigmine or other cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications can trigger muscle cramps in 30-40% of people taking them.

Here are some strategies that have helped Show Full Answer

How can nighttime leg twitching and cramping be managed?

Nighttime leg cramps are a common challenge with myasthenia gravis, especially if you're taking pyridostigmine or other cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications can trigger muscle cramps in 30-40% of people taking them.

Here are some strategies that have helped other MGteam members:

Keep ice packs nearby: Consider storing ice packs in a cooler or small refrigerator in your bedroom. When cramps wake you at night, you can quickly apply cold to numb the discomfort and reduce any inflammation.

Try gentle stretching and massage: Before bed, stretch your leg muscles and use a muscle massager. A MGteam member shared: "For my leg cramps, I use a muscle massager every night before bed." Massage improves blood flow and can release natural pain-relieving endorphins.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration increases cramping risk by causing electrolyte imbalances and muscle fatigue. Make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day - typically at least eight glasses, though your specific needs may vary.

Consider heat therapy cautiously: Some people find heating pads helpful, but be mindful that heat can worsen MG symptoms. Pay attention to how your body responds.

Natural muscle rubs: Products containing arnica, calendula, eucalyptus, or peppermint may help relax muscles. Check with your doctor before using these, as they can interact with other medications.

If cramping persists or worsens, talk with your doctor. Sometimes other conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid problems can cause leg cramps and may need treatment.

February 2
A MGteam Member

Hi Gerald
Well as far as drinking enough water. That is my number
One favorite drink in the world. However, I do drink a lot of water and I had to cut that back because at night I would wake up every 2 hours to go to the bathroom and that's about five times a night so I had to cut back on that.
Also if you drink a lot of water and you have to go to the bathroom that many times it depletes your electrolytes.
I have difficulty with keeping electrolytes up and I've read in the past that MG may have something to do with that. Not really sure
At least my magnesium and my potassium.
I am also a diabetic which could also have something to do with going to the bathroom a lot.
I have changed my diet lately to get as much potassium and magnesium in a day that I can. I have counted the amounts of these minerals that I take to make sure that I get enough.
I started making a strong electrolyte drink in the evening so when I get up I replenish my body that helped for a short time. I also have the Good Fortune of having high blood pressure and I am told to cut back on salt so everything is a catch-22
I have done that as well...
Thank you Gerald for trying to help me. I really appreciate that so much. Any input is a plus.
As far as your soft water system, I really don't know anything about that, but we can ask the mg team. I'm sure they could help with that.
I will have to look that up and get back with you.
Talk to you soon. I hope you're having a really good day today. Thank you

February 4

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