what can cause severe muscle cramps that gradually spread from limb to limb over a period of time?

Question

these cramps are severe enough to cause trouble walking when in the legs. I have tried extra potassium and the like as well as regular stretching etc. but nothing seems to help and they
seem to be spreading to my arms as well. at first I thought it was a simple charlie horse. I was mistaken. I've also had what feels like a strained muscle in my neck but isn't that I think is related to these cramps. I'm only 38 so old age isn't a factor.I've never had a problem with muscle cramps until now. For the most part they only strike when I stretch. they began in my calves.Now I can feel them starting in my forarms. any thing anyone can tell me or suggest I would deeply appreciate.

Answer 1

Not sure about Potassium?
Magnesium has also been implicated in the prevention of muscle cramps and muscle spasms. In a clinical study, 500 mg of magnesium gluconate relieved muscle spasms (within a few days) in an adult female tennis player who was complaining about having muscle spasms associated with prolonged outdoor exercise. This may be due to the fact that mineral losses through sweat and urine are increased during prolonged exercise. In specific, sweat losses of magnesium may increase during exercise. Increased loss of magnesium from the body have been seen during and after exercise. A shift in magnesium from the plasma into the erythrocytes was found. Basically , the more anaerobic the exercise (i.e. glycolytic), the greater the movement of magnesium from the plasma into the erythrocytes. This is why athletes may have a greater magnesium requirement.
Potassium
High concentrations of potassium also causes the muscle cells to decrease in efficiency, causing cramping and fatigue. Potassium builds up in the t-tubule system and around the muscle fiber in general. This has the effect of depolarizing the muscle fiber, preventing the sodium-potassium pump from moving Na+ out of the cell. This reduces the amplitude of action potentials, or stops them entirely, resulting in neurological fatigue.
Good Luck.

Answer 2

Hmm, im in my first month of medschool, so im not to shure yet. Are you drinking enough water? I was going to recomend potassium but, like you said, you tried that alredy. If this presists id recomed going to your doctor. Arithritis can aslo start early in some people. there is a type of arithritis that is generally rare in males and usually occures in females called fibromyalgia. this attacks muscles and attachments to the bone. I hope this helped some

Answer 3

It could be a circulation issue, as you say they only strike when you stretch. When you feel them coming on, try aspirin (a blood thinner) and see if that helps. If not, consider consulting a physician.

Answer 4

I have to wonder-have you thought about fibromyalgia?Some people have symptoms similiar to yours.Just asking...Hope you get a solution-have you asked a doctor? Good luck!