Leg cramps and spasms with Tamoxifen and AI Use // Remedies

Michelle_in_cornland

I have been on Tamoxifen for three months and started to have lower leg spams and pain. I have also been walking 5 miles per day. At first, I thought I might have shin splints, which I did get as a runner in high school. Then, I started to get random muscle spasms. Quickly, I started to research whether or not Tamoxifen could contribute to spasm and pain issues. I found alot of information, complaints and suggestions on this topic. I want to know if anyone else out there is having these side effects and what are you doing or did about them? Right now, I am curled up on my couch with a bar of soap sitting on leg with pain. Of course, blood clots ran through my mind and I see my BS tomorrow morning and will ask for an xray or scan to double check. Once ruled out, I plan to soak in a nice hot tub of Epsom Salts, magnesium sulfate. I also took my Biotin vitamin and a Flintstones Vitamin for good measure. Other than spasms, and a bit of leg ache, I have really been doing super on Tamoxifen and am grateful to have a medication to take for preventing recurrences.

List of potential remedies:

1. place a bar of new soap in bed under sheet

2. soak in Epsom Salts - magnesium sulfate

3. like the tropics? - eat a banana for potassium

4. check your vitamin k levels with your doctor

5. walk and move around every hour - sitting still invites leg cramps - get the blood flowing to the legs

6. stay hydrated, especially in warmer months

7. could your sodium levels be down? check it out with your doctor ...... if you sweat alot, you could be sweating out salt and not replenishing

8. check your shoes and make sure you are wearing supportive shoes, especially when physically active

70charger

I used a bar of ivory under the sheets at the bottom of the bed. When hubby or I start the spasms again I shave the bar of soap. Seems to work for us. Hubby used to get them more than I did.

ksusan

I use epsom salts in the bath once or twice a week, and magnesium citrate powder (in a glass of water) plus magnesium glycinate supplements. There are several forms of magnesium, so try them all because they seem to affect people differently.

Michelle_in_cornland

KSusan, did you notice any leg cramps, spasms or pain taking Tamoxifen? I know how my body reacts to Milk of Magnesia, but I just found a recipe for Unflavored Magnesium Water, made with Seltzer water and unflavored Milk of Magnesia. Three tablespoons of unflavored Milk of Magnesia to 2 liters of Seltzer Water, it says to drink 4 ozs twice per day to up your magnesium levels. Too much magnesium causes gastro issues. I am going to try soaking in epsom salts several times per week and see if that helps. I just think it is so weird that many women are affected like this from antihormonals, but glad to know there are tricks of the trade!!

Kicks

For me - cramps in feet/ankles are caised by low K (potassium). So when I have a problem, I get up and take another one. Very shortly, cramps are gone. Low K started 1/2 way through adjuvant Taxol but still need to take it daily (blood work confirmed) and ocassionally increase for a few days when needed.

We are each unique and what is correct for one of us is not automatically correcf/needed for anyone else.

Michelle_in_cornland

Although no two persons are alike, it would be great to have a list of "remedies" that someone could ask their own doctor about. I think I am going to put a list of responses in the initial question. I tried the soap last night, and it seemed to help. Whenever I would have a spasm, I would put the bar of soap on top of that area and it would calm down.

Sounds so strange saying it.....

ksusan

Yes, that's why I use the epsom salts and magnesium. I already had some leg cramping, but with Tamoxifen it's worse, more frequent, and not just my legs.

Michelle_in_cornland

Walked 11,000 steps today and now have achey ankle and lower leg. Soaked it in epsom salts earlier and plan to try it again tonight. Took some magnesium and hope that helps too.

Michelle_in_cornland

My leg issues seem to be subsiding, as long as I wear rebok running shoes and not cushioned sandals. I had a little bit of leg pain last night, and I put a bar of soap on it. My MO called yesterday, and the muscle ache and ostealgia is very common. She said to take Aleve, I am sticking with the soap and magnesium (every other day.) I soaked in epsom salts last night as well.

wendym23

I started Tamoxifen April 27 and almost three weeks into it, I started having tailbone pain. I also was having leg cramps and joint pain all over. I'm nervous this could be a sign of cancer in my bones. I go to the oncologist tomorrow to discuss further. I am stage 1a and had a lumpectomy in March. Radiation supposed to start next week. Pleas advise. I'm 43 with two small children.

Michelle_in_cornland

Wendy, you mostly likely have ostealgia, bone pain, which is common with Tamoxifen. I had this discussion yesterday with my MO. Try soaking in epsom salts, which should help. It is magnesium sulfate. You can also purchase magnesium in a low dose and take every few days. I sleep with a bar of soap on my sore leg. Sounds strange, but works. I also have heard of women taking claritin for bone pain. I am sure that many women feel this way, when they have deep, unexpected bone pain. Hang in there and don't get discouraged. Have your doctor check your vitamin D level, as a strong vitamin D level can help with bone pain. I walk every day and it really helps the bones and joints stay flexible. Tailbone pain is some of the first pain to be experienced by persons new to Tamoxifen.

Michelle_in_cornland

I have been wearing Rebok zig zag bottom running/walking shoes. They seem to help stabilize the shin area. Knocking on wood that I may have found another remedy to the leg pain/spasms.

Lula73

So sorry you're having the leg pain. Hopefully its nothing more than achiness. When you see your doctor, definitely insist to be checked for blood clots. The risk is real even though it only occurs in the minority of patients. Go straight to the ER to be evaluated if taking a semi-deep to deep breath causes any pain or discomfort whatsoever. I thought my calf pain was cramps from a previous surgery and just wrote it off. Then a few days later I had some discomfort under my breasts in the rib cage area when I'd take a semi-deep breath a a slight wincing pain when I'd take a deep breath. Called Dr office, sent to ER where scans revealed small blood clots in the lungs. Started blood thinners in hospital, transitioned to Xeralto, discontinued Tamoxifen and released last evening. Scary to say the least. Good luck to you...sending prayers.

Michelle_in_cornland

Lula, sorry that happened to you. Mine was shin splints from all the walking that I do. I gave myself a few days of less walking and wore my heavy duty walking shoes. I wonder why your MO had to start Tamoxifen so soon after surgery. We spread out my surgery, radiation and starting Tamoxifen over a 5 and a half month period. When I started Tamoxifen, I was on 10mgs for 2 weeks, and then 10mgs x 2 per day after. I feel really great and my leg pain diminished. I will say a prayer for you as well. Keep us posted on how you are doing!!

Michelle_in_cornland

I did my 5 miles walk yesterday in Rebok walking shoes and no leg problems. I think shoes are very important when exercising and seem to help prevent shin splints/spams and bone pain. But, I have done a couple Epsom Salt soaks, so I might have also eased my body with magnesium. Please keep adding ideas for addressing bone pain and muscle spasms.

wallycat

My really horrible symptoms didn't show up till 9-10 months on it, so I am so sorry you have started that ride so early. When it was getting really bad, I started taking a potassium supplement. It also helps lower blood pressure, so I figured it was a win-win.

People's pharmacy just had something in the seattle sunday times about using lavender to rub into affected legs.

Michelle_in_cornland

Wally how are you doing now

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