#1 Cause of Cramping Toes & Legs In PD- By Dr. De Leon

“These cramps are crazy! But look on the bright side- at least is not a baby!” -unknown

 

In the past, I have written about the different causes of leg and toe cramping in Parkinson’s disease. However, the number one cause of cramping in those of us who have had Parkinson’s disease for many years is actually a metabolic cause indirectly related to PD Symptoms. What I mean is that we all have one singular symptom in common which is extremely trouble some for all of us despite our PD presentation. This horrible symptom which makes all of our lives particularly troublesome and even causes us to become moody, forgetful, and lethargic is no other than my friend and your friend-CONSTIPATION! Unfortunately, this is one of those symptoms that just wont go away! It often precedes the motor symptoms by up to 20 years and as the PD progresses not only does Gi motility slow down to a near halt due to PD but the medicines themselves are against us from the start.

So, how do we combat this pesky problem? throwing everything but the sink into our bodies sometimes just to be able to have a bowel movement. The thing we all forget is that with time the constant sloughing off the lining of the intestines by laxatives – especially those over the counter can cause severe Hypokalemia (low potassium) because it alters the function of the kidneys permanently!

To make matters worst, as we age many of us become hypertensive (high blood pressure) for which many receive treatment in the form of diuretics. This only compounds the problem and increases risk for cramps. Also, many of the medicines cause increase fluid retention again necessitating a type of diuretic.

 Therefore, I suggest that :

1) Do not take laxatives on a daily basis – this only causes the body to become dependent and work even less unless higher amount (dosages) of laxatives are  consumed. I will suggest a cocktail solution for this which includes high water intake, increase natural juices, increase daily fiber in food and as supplement through over the counter fiber tablets, powder etc. increase exercise, increase vegetable and fruit intake along with stool softener. Then few times a week take prescription meds like lactulose, Miralax, Amitiza, or Linzess.

2) However, if above still not producing the desired effect – use over the counter laxatives –SPARINGLY! always alternate types such as enemas, mag citrate or other oral laxative brands-e.g. Ex-lax, Dulcolax… 

3) Have your doctor write you a prescription for potassium supplement 20mEq. EVERY TIME you take a laxative make it a point of taking a Potassium supplement pill along with it. Also increase consumption of potassium rich foods like white beans, lentil, raisins, pistachios, soy bean, avocados, and cocoa bean (my favorite)..

4) Have your doctor monitor your potassium routinely if staying low may need to be on a daily potassium supplement!

5) If possible avoid diuretics – try using naturally occurring diuretics like cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, green tea, asparagus, cranberries, and oats. This will also help to maintain regularity.

6) If you Must be on a diuretic if possible try potassium sparing medications -NOT LASIX.

7) Finally, if you do experience cramps quick remedy is a spoonful of mustard (keep packets handy especially when traveling) & drinking pickle juice- best when cold! If you are experiencing cramps multiple times a week and the other causes of pain and cramp have been ruled out then need to take daily potassium supplement and take extra dose when use laxatives!

References: (see prior blogs)

How to Deal with the 6 Common Causes of Leg pain in PD?

Tips to dealing with cramping toes

@copyright 2015 all rights reserved Maria De Leon