Myeloma Night Leg Cramps?

How do myeloma patients manage night leg cramps? A common question from MM patients is about the occurrence of leg cramps at night. Fortunately, there are a number of possible therapies.

What are some non-conventional therapies for leg cramps at night?

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is believed to improve circulation and balance energy flow, which may help reduce the frequency and intensity of cramps.

2. Herbal Remedies

Valerian root: Known for its muscle-relaxing properties.
Chamomile tea: May have mild muscle relaxant effects.
Horsetail extract: High in silica, it supports muscle and connective tissue health.

3. Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Massaging the legs with diluted essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus may relax the muscles and improve circulation.

4. Heat Therapy

Using a heating pad or soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts before bedtime can relax muscles and prevent cramps.

5. Foot Soaks with Magnesium Flakes

Magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, and a warm foot soak may reduce cramps.

6. Homeopathic Remedies

Quinine-based products: Available in small doses, such as homeopathic tablets or tonic water (contains quinine), may alleviate cramps.
Magnesia phosphorica: Commonly used in homeopathy for muscle cramps.

7. Reflexology

Massaging pressure points on the feet may improve circulation and relieve muscle tension.

8. Electrolyte Balance with Natural Drinks

Homemade electrolyte solutions using ingredients like coconut water, sea salt, and honey can replenish electrolytes naturally.

9. Mind-Body Techniques

Practices such as yoga, tai chi, or progressive muscle relaxation before bed can enhance flexibility and reduce cramping.

10. Adjusting Sleep Posture

Sleeping with a pillow under your knees or elevating the legs slightly can reduce strain on the calf muscles.

11. Alternative Therapies

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): Using low-voltage electrical currents may improve circulation and reduce muscle spasms.
Vibration therapy: Devices that deliver gentle vibrations can improve blood flow and muscle relaxation.

12. Dietary Adjustments

Adding anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids to your diet may improve muscle health and reduce cramps over time.

If you prefer, this video demonstrates stretching and pressure points to alleviate cramping-

I am a long-term MM survivor. While conventional oncology is central to managing MM, I’ve learned that there are many, many issues that conventional oncology does not address. Myeloma night leg cramps are one such example.

Email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com with questions about multiple myeloma.

Thank you,

David Emerson

MM Survivor
MM Cancer Coach
Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Vitamin K Supplementation Reduces Nocturnal Leg Cramps in Older Adults

“Vitamin K supplementation significantly reduced the frequency, intensity, and duration of nocturnal leg cramps in older adults. No adverse events related to vitamin K were identified…

TAKEAWAY:

Vitamin K group experienced a significant reduction in the mean weekly frequency of cramps (mean difference, 2.60 [SD, 0.81] to 0.96 [SD, 1.41]) compared with the placebo group, which maintained a mean weekly frequency of 3.63 (SD, 2.20) (P < .001).
The severity of nocturnal leg cramps decreased more in the vitamin K group (mean difference, −2.55 [SD, 2.12] points) than in the placebo group (mean difference, −1.24 [SD, 1.16] points).
The duration of nocturnal leg cramps also decreased more in the vitamin K group (mean difference, −0.90 [SD, 0.88] minutes) than in the placebo group (mean difference, −0.32 [SD, 0.78] minutes).
No adverse events related to vitamin K use were identified, indicating a good safety profile for the supplementation.

Influence of Vitamin K on Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis

“Vitamin K (VK) has an established biological function in blood coagulation and hemostasis and maintains general health and bone wellbeing. VK supplements have been promoted to treat and prevent many diseases, particularly for decreasing fracture risk in osteoporosis, a chronic condition described by weak bone tissue, and a high fracture risk following minor trauma.

It affects older people from different races and ethnicity, mainly postmenopausal women. Many kinds of research emphasize the role of VK in improving bone health and preventing osteoporotic bone fracture, but the findings are mostly inconclusive.

In this literature review, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used as the primary sources to select the relevant studies and review the association between VK and bone health and also, to explore the impact of VK supplementation in osteoporosis management.

A majority of studies reported that VK has an essential role in promoting bone health. Although some studies revealed that VK might increase bone mineral density and reduce fracture risk in people with osteoporosis, VK supplements’ potential benefits were not sufficiently supported.

Thus, more clinical studies are needed to determine the positive effects of VK supplementation in osteoporosis prevention and treatment…”

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