Got a nasty cold on monday and since then my legs are cramping big time walking down stairs etc… Got blood work to see why Im cramping other then a slightly elevated CPK all my blood levels look ok sodium, potassium, calcium, manganese, sodium, zinc, are all within range. its been five days now and still cramping, Yes I do drink plenty of fluids. Typically train 10-13 week, have not done anything going on five days now, cramps not getting better. any input would be helpful, this sucks my cold is gone but the cramps never went away.
Have you been taking any cold medicine?
The nasal decongestant may mildly dehydrate you. and I have a sneaking suspicion that the anti-histimines can contribute too.
BTW, it’s not so much your electrolyte levels that matter per se. You will cramp when there is a variation between electrolyte levels across the muscle cell walls.
'Dunno
If dehydrated, your electrolyte levels would have shown on your labs. Might need to be a little more clear on “cramps”. Is the calf “locked”? Tight muscle? Can’t flex the foot? Compartment syndrome can present similar, but usually with more activity than just walking up stairs. Any weakness involved?
Can compartment syndrome represent itself in the back of the lower leg? I have had cramps in my lower legs two different times that put me down for a very extended amount of time (2-4 weeks). It does not seem like what is described as compartment syndrome, but some it matches up.
Not likely compartment syndrome with your history, but still in the differential. One of the most common causes is still dehydration, but there still is a great deal of debate as to what actually causes muscle cramps. Theories include electrolyte issues to neurologic.
Hi rroof.
Cramps started five days ago first cramp right Quadriceps, just tying my sons shoe, after trying to walk it out the cramp made its way down my to VMO. That was the only place I had the cramp for three days (right Quad) major cramp where you cant even bend your leg. now the cramps are on the left side as well. more VMO, and left Glut. No Calf issues. (tap on wood)
Yes weakness on my left Quadriceps, I thought the weakness was due to sickness I had this week, bad cold.
Cramps are moving around. (All lower body, only if I use the cretin muscle is when it cramps)
Drinking close to x2 gallons of water. as well as taking in extra sodium, potassium, etc…
Four days rest and my Creatine Kinase is still 764
AST (high as well) 73 norm 0-40
Any thoughts my Dr was clueless.
Very frustrated, Im a PT and have no idea whats going on.
Were those CK levels fractionated (i.e. I assume this was CK-III and you are not having an acute coronary even!)?
I’m sure the obvious was ruled out, but you aren’t on any new statin (cholesterol) drug, right? Any chance for toxoplasmosis? A viral prodrome can precede pretty rare stuff like Guillain-Barre syndrome (which is why I asked about weakness), but that is way out of my bailiwick. Muscular Dystrophy sometimes presents this way early as well. Scary stuff for sure, but I’m sure your internist has ruled most of this out (except Guillain-Barre as that usually goes undiagnosed for a while).
Good luck!