Muscle pain in legs

[missmeri]

I've been having strange leg pain, but I don't see it in any lists of symptoms for my illnesses.  At night when I'm in bed trying to sleep, my legs are in terrible pain.  It's hard to explain... like muscle spasms (but not severe like a Charlie horse) and burning.  It's similar to the way it feels after you've walked up a few flights of stairs.  Included in this is also the feeling of restless leg.  It lasts for a while until I can fall asleep, sometimes an hour or more.  I don't feel it during the day, only when I'm laying in bed at night.  It's very odd and uncomfortable.

In addition to that, I have aches and stiffness in my hands and forearms.  When I'm doing things with my hands, the movement of my fingers triggers the attached muscles to hurt.  I know joint pain and stiffness is expected (which I have too), but I haven't heard of muscle problems. 

Does anyone else have experience with this?  It just seems strange to me. 

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and Sjogren's about a year ago.  My new rheumy is still trying to pinpoint my exact diagnosis, but this is what he agrees with so far.

Thanks.

[Pinkfish]

I have leg pain at night too, but mine is from RLS. It's painfu, tingly and itchy but not spasm-y.  I would try taking 1000 mg of magnesium when you experience this and see if that helps. Always helps me.

[Carolina]

I take Magnesium and Potassium before bed.

These pains and spasms can be part of the neuropathy of Sjogren's, as well.

At some point, if this continues or moves to other parts of your body, you will want to see a neurologist.

Cymbalta can help with the pain, as well as Neurontin.  Any of the SSRIs and Anticonvulsants are good with nerve pain.

Hugs,  Elaine

[litliwlowa]

I've been having strange leg pain, but I don't see it in any lists of symptoms for my illnesses.  At night when I'm in bed trying to sleep, my legs are in terrible pain.  It's hard to explain... like muscle spasms (but not severe like a Charlie horse) and burning.  It's similar to the way it feels after you've walked up a few flights of stairs.  Included in this is also the feeling of restless leg.  It lasts for a while until I can fall asleep, sometimes an hour or more.  I don't feel it during the day, only when I'm laying in bed at night.  It's very odd and uncomfortable.

In addition to that, I have aches and stiffness in my hands and forearms.  When I'm doing things with my hands, the movement of my fingers triggers the attached muscles to hurt.  I know joint pain and stiffness is expected (which I have too), but I haven't heard of muscle problems. 

Does anyone else have experience with this?  It just seems strange to me. 

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and Sjogren's about a year ago.  My new rheumy is still trying to pinpoint my exact diagnosis, but this is what he agrees with so far.

Thanks.

Missmeri,

In addition to Hashi's I also have SJS. Status post total thyroidectomy. I've noticed the following situations get my legs cramping and painful at night:

if my thyroid levels are hyPO - I have more pain and cramping in legs

if my electrolytes, calcium are low (I am on supplementation for calcium and D3 as my parathyroids are failing), I get leg cramps similar to what you describe

Calcium supplement amount is based on labs for me, as is D3 supplementation.

I make sure via my diet aka food taht I am getting adequate potassium each day and recently added magnesium supplement which I have found helpful.

Has your doctor checked you for thyroid antibodies as part of the suspected Hashi's? If not, you may want to ask about it.

I do also agree with another suggestion given your arms and hands are affected that perhaps a neuro consult is in order. I do get pain in muscles etc in my arms - that has been determined in my situation to be related to c-spine issues.

Amanda

[Carolina]

The types of Neuropathy that accompany autoimmune conditions are:

Peripheral Neuropathy which affects the large nerves of your legs (primarily)

Small fiber neuropathy which affects the nerves of your skin, tingling, burning, itching, pain, feeling like you have gloves and stockings on.  for me this affect my face, lips and tongue and hands, fingers and forearms most.

Autonomic neuropathy or dysautonomia which affects the nerves of your cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system (bladder and bowel).  Symptoms are faintness upon standing, slow emptying of your stomach, bladder urges and then difficulty voiding, constipation and there are others.

Just as your immune system has attacked your tear and saliva function and your thyroid, so it can attack and damage other parts of your body.  The nerves are a system that is often attacked.

This also accounts for our brain fog.....

Hang in there.

Hugs,  Elaine

[missmeri]

Thanks.  Now I don't feel completely crazy.  As far as the Hashi's, my immunoglobulin was high, but my thyroid levels are normal.  I was told that about half of Hashi's cases do not affect the thyroid.  My dr said that I just need to monitor my levels every few months just to be sure.  So far, so good. 

I'm thinking that some kind of neuropathy is most likely the cause, though I'm a bit surprised because I consider my disease to be mild.  I guess because I'm not completely bedridden.  I manage to function (I have 3 small children), but I do struggle from day to day mainly with body aches and total exhaustion.  I also tend to downplay my disease mostly because it just seems like a nuisance rather than a serious health concern.  It's not like my life is at risk.  Also because the Dr says there's not really anything that can be done other than to just manage my symptoms.  They don't seem concerned, so I'm not.

Maybe a consult with a neurologist is the way to go.  But then again, what's the point?  It's not like they can do anything about my symptoms, right? 

...Sorry, I'm just discouraged and venting. 

[Carolina]

Miss Meri,  I don't know what you are taking, but Cymbalta and Neurontin manage the symptoms, and if you're not taking something along those lines, you're not managing the symptoms you described.

Hugs,  Elaine

[missmeri]

I'm not taking any medication right now.  I'm trying to have another baby so my doctor and I have agreed to hold off on all meds till after I've had a baby.