This started about two weeks after starting the drug. The first time I took prednisone which was 5 years ago they gave me quinine for the cramps, but they say it has not been available for a long time. Is there something else that helps?
I Suffer from Feet and Leg Cramps Since Starting Prednisone is this Common?
Question posted by bkorhonen on 29 Dec 2010
Last updated on 18 August 2017
6 Answers
Official Answer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 22, 2020.
The side effects of prednisone are in the following link:
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/prednisone-side-effects.html
General muscle cramps are not listed as a side effect of prednisone although abdominal cramps are listed.
If you do get muscle cramps at the first sign of a muscle cramp, stop your activity and try stretching and massaging the affected muscle. Heat will relax the muscle when the spasm begins, but ice may be helpful after the first spasm and when the pain has improved.
If the muscle is still sore, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help with pain. If the muscle cramps are severe, your health care provider can prescribe anti-spasm medications.
The most common cause of muscle cramps during sports activity is dehydration. Often, drinking water will ease the cramping. However, water alone doesn't always help. Salt tablets or sports drinks, which also replenish lost minerals, can be helpful.
Other tips for relieving muscle cramps:
Change your workouts so that you are exercising within your ability.
Drink plenty of fluids while exercising and increase your potassium intake (orange juice and bananas are great sources of potassium).
Stretch to improve flexibility.
guineveer
7 March 2012
Actually, muscle cramps (spasms) are a well-documented, well-known side effect of Prednisone. A simple google search should give more info about this.
katzbro
16 March 2012
Yes, leg cramps ARE related to prednisone. Very predictable. Consider magnesium, potassium and calcium along with breathing slowly and deeply to help regulate your adrenals. One thing that happens with prednisone is that we become totally dependent on it for our adrenal functioning, and as the levels shift in our bodies, we get very impacted by stress. This can be anything. Completing a task, worrying, having a bad dream, etc. Symptoms kick in as a result of the adrenal dysregulation. So calming through intentional breathing like that helps.
LVJ
1 May 2017
I find this kind of non-answer to be extremely annoying and unhelpful. It is showing off what you (and most other people) know but does not answer the question. First of all, the kinds of cramps people get from medications are often very different from workout cramping. Second, the helpful hints you provided do not work for the muscle spasms from medication (at least they don't work for me). Finally, RESEARCH has proven that all muscle relaxers (a.k.a. anti-spasm medications) only make you generally relaxed all over (and very tired/sleepy and mentally slow). They don't work any better than a combo of and NSAID (or, if you have high blood pressure, take aspirin instead) + Tylenol (or generic) + aspirin (even more effective pain relief). BTW: That combo also helps with muscle spasms and back stiffness caused by the medication.
1annie
18 Aug 2017
That is an erroneous, false, untrue statement!! Whoever states that foot and leg cramps aren't related to ingesting prednisone should withdraw and shut up. But first they should try it for themselves!! Try 5 mg for a year or even a couple of months and let us hear from you!! You don't know what you're talking about. Probably a pharmaceutical rep peddling propaganda. That false infirmation should be removed.
Noskacj
29 July 2017
I started taking this drug and the leg cramps are horrible. Pickle juice stops it but if you have high blood pressure, you have to be careful
endlessPred
16 March 2012
All suggestions are good. I get cramps if I do not walk enough and if my calcium is low. I can tell within a day if I don't have enough calcium. Thyroid was removed so calcium is essential as a supplement. 1200 mg per day with vitamin D. That is also important when on prednisone to get extra D and calcium.
Since I am mostly in bed that is a problem. Stretching is essential. Sitting at a desk or watching tv without frequent breaks will get you in trouble with the inactivity.
potassium is also needed. But one can overdose on this so check with your doc if you need extra. Do be careful with magnesium because quite a few drugs interact with it. Check these out with your doc or pharmacist before you take it. Usually it is just a matter of timing not to take too close to other meds.
We have early spring here. No snow! 70's and higher when we usually have a foot or two of snow! Good time to get out and stretch, if you can. Hope this helps.
Inactive
16 March 2012
Taking at least an extra 1,000mg of vitamin C, plus 250 of magnesium will help the leg cramps. You have to take it every day. Just my thoughts... Mary
katzbro
16 March 2012
A combination of magnesium and potassium helps. I have primarily used magnesium, but recently added in the potassium and even calcium, since prednisone impacts calcium too. There is a product called CALM on the market - powder you can add to hot water and just sip. It works quickly. You can use capsules too.
thekid0138
12 April 2011
I had same problem with prednisone and also breathing problems so the best to is drink alot of water and stay as active as possible good luuc hope it helps
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prednisone, quinine, nocturnal leg cramps
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