This might be an MS innervation issue due to nerve damage from the disease. HOWEVER, it might be you are low on electrolytes/ minerals that are ALSO needed for nerve innervation of muscle. What are your levels of magnesium, potassium, calcium, D3 (tells gut to absorb calcium but needs to be taken with fats ie fish oil so it can be absorbed).

Bananas have potassium
Almonds (and chocolate) have magnesium. If you have chocolate cravings this can sometimes be due to magnesium deficiency.

So have you checked to make sure you are at more OPTIMAL levels(higher part of normal range) of these minerals?

Best wishes to you in working with a medical professional to find something that helps,
EP

I understand what you are going thru. I'm in the middle of a flare right now with toes cramping, as well as calves and my thigh. I'm also more twitchy too.
When it hits, I increase my b12 shots dose for a few days, eat an extra banana(I try to eat at least two a week with almonds). I also use hot epsoms salts baths and hot compresses. I also take Tylenol. I Also make sure I'm well hydrated.
When that doesn't work I drag out the big guns and take a half of flexeril. It gets so bad at times all I can do is breathe. I've found slow gentle stretching helps some, but it's hard to stretch when you are cramped up. This go round has hit me even harder. My entire body has spasamed up including my back. I know my levels are good because I just spent the day in the er tuesday.
My recommendation is that if it's no better in 24 hours, call your Neuro or go to the er. Permanent muscle damage can be done if you aren't careful.
Keeping you in my prayers!

my neuro upped my Baclofen for this reason and my legs and hands cramping also. it's worked great so far.

I too, have what I call "spock" toes. They separate, spasm across top of both feet and on the inside calf muscle. I take Vitamin B Complex, stay very well hydrated, eat Bananas, take fish oil daily.

I also get cramps in my legs, feet, and hands. When I drive, my feet really cramp up. My neuro gave me tizanidine. I try not to take it during the day because it makes me sleepy. As for the stiffness, I am very stiff. Sometimes I feel like Frankenstein walking. lol. Exercising and stretching will help that.

Sorry what you are going through, ouch! I know it well.

The other reply from EP is correct. Often we are lacking minerals even if we did not have a chronic disease. I also learned that when you are taking man made meds/chemicals our minerals are depleted even more. So I would suggest you get your levels checked as most MDs do not test for this deficiency. And probably start taking supplements. Do not forget to take OMega 3 too.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Jan

This is good info. I'm having a big problem with my toes spasming and leg muscles "locking up". I'll try these suggestions.

Went to the neurologist today and he doubled my Baclofen. Also doubled my Ampyra. That is more for walking but I'm hopeful that it will help. He's also doing a CBC to see if there are blood "issues", as well, like vitamin/mineral deficiencies.

I am having the same issue with cramps almost like in high school except they aren't as painful as they were then if that makes sense...I eat bananas and some chocolate but have to always have my mineral and vitamin count checked....EPagain is right on the money with her post...she actually saved my life by recommending the vitamin panel and we caught the vit D at a critically low level and my doc was wondering how I was even walking around..it's important to pay attention to those " little" things as they might be a "big" thing when it comes to MS..good luck.

Most of the population is deficient in magnesium. The information comes from Russell Blaylock, MD, neuro surgeon. I take 900 mg of magnesium citrate daily. 450 in the morning and 450 more at bedtime. You have to work up to the dose though or else get time released or both. Blaylock recommends magnesium citrate/malate last I checked.

I did find also that whenever I have a fever of any sort, MS symptoms kick in until the fever is cleared. I noticed that a fever can bring on a case of babinski's reflex.

I found that magnesium was the best thing for cramps. It is also good for bowel regularity.

Two problems dealt with, quite inexpensively, without drug intervention or chocolate!!!!!