Muscle spasms linked to vitamin D usage

December 1, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your article on severe cramping and muscle spasms. I took 1,000 IU of vitamin D with my calcium for 10 months. I was up from 10 to 20 times a night with severe, excruciating cramps. Then I ran out of vitamin D and didn’t take it for a couple of days. I had no cramps during this time. I tried a lower dose of D two more times. The cramps started immediately. I stopped the D again and am finally cramp-free.

It’s strange but true. People should look into their meds, even if cramps and spasms aren’t listed as a side effect. Also, if I get my vitamin D naturally, why do I need a supplement to help absorb calcium?
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , , ,

Woman faces woes of middle age

August 31, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writing to inquire about a medical condition that I have had for more than 15 years with no diagnosis determined. I’m a 63-year-old African-American female in good health except for allergies. The older I get, the worse the problem.

I have constant cramping in my legs, thighs, toes, hands, rib cage and arms. Lately, most of my cramping is happening at night when I go to bed. Both legs cramp up, and one of my feet twists to one side. These cramps are painful. I can turn over in the middle of the night and catch a cramp. I have had all types of blood work performed, and when my potassium was a little low, I was told to take a potassium pill. I cramped twice as much.
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , , , , ,