Muscle Cramping And Bone Pain

swatson · January 22, 2006

hi.

After the intial first weeks of suffering following messing up I experience

major muscle cramping and bone pain mostly in my ribs and spine.

I was wondering if any of you experinece this.

BB22 · January 24, 2006

Hi. new to this site & message boards in general. I just posted somewhere under post diagnosis recovery/treatments. I'm not offically diagnosed - but - Gluten-free Casein-free diet since November has changed my world. Pain has always been one of my main & many complaints. Joint pain, foot pain, hand pain, TMJ, headaches, flashing pain, dull aches, shooting pain, nerve tingling. Most of which is gone. Had mystery sauce few days ago & terrible migraine that very night.

ravenwoodglass · January 24, 2006

swatson said:
hi.
After the intial first weeks of suffering following messing up I experience
major muscle cramping and bone pain mostly in my ribs and spine.
I was wondering if any of you experinece this.

One of my primary symptoms was joint and muscle pain, misdiagnosed for years as fibromyalgia and arthritis. I think a lot of us get this.

jerseyangel · January 24, 2006

Hi Swatson and BB22--Welcome! The muscle cramping and bone pain are symptoms that affect a lot of us. After 7 months gluten-free, I still get the cramping in my legs and feet quite often. The pain is better, though. Now when I get a gluten reaction, the pain in my legs and back comes back. I also had the tingling in my face, arm, legs and feet--along with a sensation of burning on the bottom of my feet and on my face. Those got better with the gluten free diet, but have not gone away completely.

num1habsfan · January 25, 2006

I feel like one of the old people (no offense) who an predict the weather. Seriously, I can tell if it going to snow or rain, or if theres going to be a drastic change in weather (from cold to hot, or hot to cold).

Arthritis will get me right in any areas that I have hurt (back, right ankle, right wrist). And then it moves. This week it went from my left elbow, then to my back monday night/yesterday, then as of last night its been in my right ankle.

If you look on the associated disorders there are 6 different kinds of arthritis related to Celiac. So its hard to avoid lol.

I dont think this helped you any, but it was a good excuse for me to rant

~lisa~

happy4dolphins · February 3, 2006

Also get your vit. d checked! I was vit. d deficient and am taking 50,000 ius once a week.

Nicole

Baninna15 · June 28, 2007

I was recently diagnosed about 2 months ago. Lately I have been experiencing excruciating cramps in my feet and legs.... I see that others are having this same issue. Is there anything anyone has done to relieve the cramping that works? Once my foot cramps up, I can't get it to stop for awhile. Just my foot starts to relax it cramps up again. Appreciate any help!!

Nancym · June 28, 2007

I used to have lots of muscle spasms in my neck and shoulders and they went away when I went gluten-free and CF. Lately I had a week where I went back on dairy and the cramping came back, so for me it was caused by dairy.

For cramps you can try supplementing potassium, magnesium and calcium (sodium if you're really low but most folks aren't).

June 28, 2007

swatson said:
hi.
After the intial first weeks of suffering following messing up I experience

major muscle cramping and bone pain mostly in my ribs and spine.

I was wondering if any of you experinece this.

Yep! I usually don't get bone pain from the occasional glutening, but I every so often get mild lower back pain (muscle cramping) when glutened.

Before I was Dx with Celiac, I swear that I thought I had bone cancer. My hips would ache so bad that I would have to hobble around, and the deep pain in my legs would keep me up at night. Right before Dx I also had *severe* lower back spasms that were unbelievable. I had just met my fiance at the time, and all I can say is that I'm glad he stuck around! On our 4th date, he had to drive out to get me muscle relaxers and spend all night rubbing my back just so I would stop moaning!

Do also note that back pain/cramping can also be non-Celiac related.

June 28, 2007

jerseyangel said:
Hi Swatson and BB22--Welcome! The muscle cramping and bone pain are symptoms that affect a lot of us. After 7 months gluten-free, I still get the cramping in my legs and feet quite often. The pain is better, though. Now when I get a gluten reaction, the pain in my legs and back comes back. I also had the tingling in my face, arm, legs and feet--along with a sensation of burning on the bottom of my feet and on my face. Those got better with the gluten free diet, but have not gone away completely.

Have you had your B12 levels checked by your doctor? Everyone with Celiac should have a screening for deficiencies when diagnosed, but some people unfortunately (like me) have to ask for it.

P.S. Nancym is bang on with her advice for muscle cramps! You could also consider drinking Pedialyte or Gatorade as an easy way to replace electrolytes.

Teacher1958 · June 28, 2007

Make sure to get a bone density scan. It's just an x-ray of the hips that indicates whether you have signs of osteoporosis. I have a prescription to get one, I just haven't had time yet. Because the celiac causes malabsorption (body unable to use nutrients), it can cause a loss of bone, as you aren't able to benefit from the calcium and vitamin D you should be getting.

I have a lot of pain, too. I thought that my fibromyalgia symptoms were gone after ten weeks of being gluten free, but they are back. It's very disappointing, but hopefully, they will disappear again. I have been going through some serious stress because one of my best friends was just diagnosed with a serious illness, so that may be causing some of the problem.

Eric.Wilson · August 24, 2014

Hi everyone.

Below is a quote from Baninna15 from back in 2007. Baninna15's query is a little different that many that I have seen, in that He/She (apologies) has experienced cramps and spasms, after diagnosis and diet modification.

I'm in the same boat, almost identically:

- two months post diagnosis

- foot cramps in the arch of my foot, nearly every-night, between 02:00 and 04:00.

- muscle spasms in my arms, fingers and thumbs during the day.

I'm taking Multi, D & B12 vitamin supplements.

Mental acuity and energy levers are much improved, but the cramps and spasms are driving my crazy.

Any insight or research into root cause?

Thanks a bunch.

E!

On 6/28/2007 at 3:00 PM, Baninna15 said:

I was recently diagnosed about 2 months ago. Lately I have been experiencing excruciating cramps in my feet and legs.... I see that others are having this same issue. Is there anything anyone has done to relieve the cramping that works? Once my foot cramps up, I can't get it to stop for awhile. Just my foot starts to relax it cramps up again. Appreciate any help!!

cyclinglady · August 24, 2014

Hi Eric!

Welcome!

Two months is probably too soon for complete intestinal healing. Sometimes it can take a couple of years to fully re grow villi. Plus, there is a huge learning curve when it comes to going gluten free and that can slow you down.

I took additional supplements at the beginning. I am sure I did not absorb most of them, but I needed all the help I could get. Now, I do not need them. Did you doctor check for deficiencies?

durrsakja · August 25, 2014

Magnesium supplements helped immensely with cramps, pain and twitching for me even though my lab tests did not show a deficiency.

Eric.Wilson · August 25, 2014

Hi Cycling Lady,

I understand that two months is wholly insufficient to resolve my symptoms. I am feeling better everyday, though.

My questions isn't about solving old symptoms. My question is about completely new symptoms as a result of post-diagnosis dietary modifications.

I've never had these symptoms pre-diagnosis.

- foot cramps in the arch of my foot, nearly every-night, between 02:00 and 04:00.

- muscle spasms in my arms, fingers and thumbs during the day.

So my question is; why would I be having these completely new symptoms as a result of a gluten free diet?

Does that help clarify my query?

I was test for vitamin B and D deficiencies pre-diet modification. The results were on the low range of normal. Nevertheless, my physician suggested I take the additional supplements.

Durrsakja, Thanks for the suggestion RE: magnesium. I'll read up a bit more.

Thanks everyone.

cyclinglady · August 25, 2014

Well, it could be other things like MS, thyroid issues, medications, dehydration, lack of potassium, calcium and other minerals, etc.

I understand that it developed after your diagnosis. I fractured two vertebrae doing NOTHING two months after my celiac disease diagnosis. Just going gluten free for two months is not going to solve damage that has been done or was in the process of being done. My bones were compromised. I am hoping that they will improve and the doctor recommended a course of treatment that will last two years or more (supplements are one of them).

I would give it some more time, but since thyroid issues seem to bother so many of us, I would have that checked first.

In the meantime, research mineral supplementation and increase your water intake if necessary. Of course, that includes making sure you do not have any gluten exposure. Have you read the newbie thread under "Coping"?

I hope this helps. Cramps are awful!

Tigger 68 · August 28, 2014

On 8/25/2014 at 1:36 AM, Eric.Wilson said:

Hi Cycling Lady,

I understand that two months is wholly insufficient to resolve my symptoms. I am feeling better everyday, though.

My questions isn't about solving old symptoms. My question is about completely new symptoms as a result of post-diagnosis dietary modifications.

I've never had these symptoms pre-diagnosis.

- foot cramps in the arch of my foot, nearly every-night, between 02:00 and 04:00.

- muscle spasms in my arms, fingers and thumbs during the day.

So my question is; why would I be having these completely new symptoms as a result of a gluten free diet?

Does that help clarify my query?

I was test for vitamin B and D deficiencies pre-diet modification. The results were on the low range of normal. Nevertheless, my physician suggested I take the additional supplements.

Durrsakja, Thanks for the suggestion RE: magnesium. I'll read up a bit more.

Thanks everyone.

I TAKE A SUBLINGUAL(UNDER THE TONGUE).B-12..2500 MCG EVERY MORNING...HAS HELPED ME TREMENDOUSLY OVER 3 MTHS...I USED A "FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH" OIL ON MY FEET..WITH THE COMBINATION MY FEET SELDOM BOTHER ME ANY LONGER....IF U SEARCH FOR FRANKIN..&MYR. ON AMAZON.YOU WILL FIND THE OIL..TREATS NEUROPATHY AND HEALING AS WELL...BY TAKING B-12 I WAS ABLE TO STOP TAKING NEURONTIN.!!!...ALSO HAVE FIBROMYALGIA, NEUROPATHY AS A RESULT OF CELIAC.! I DO NOT HAVE SERIOUS PAIN BOUTS.....I BELIEVE THE B-12 AND BEING GLUTEN FREE HELPS GREATLY. GOD BLESS YOU..SANDI

lmj623 · September 4, 2014

I might be a little late to add but I was having a lot of spasms/cramping in my neck shoulders mid back (seemed to just keep spreading despite ART and deep tissue massages) I ended up seeing a spine doctor after MRI and they prescribed Baclofen-it's a non narcotic muscle relaxer that stopped my spasms after only taking a half pill each night for a week. Then I didn't need it anymore.

I have been gluten-free for a year though this cramping got pretty bad after a 2 month poisoning of taco seasoning.. i won't forget to check labels again.

Sbwife14 · September 5, 2014

I have experienced this too....mostly it's when I've consumed some form of gluten. WouLd feel like I've been lifting weights or muscle weakness...tired. For me it would go away after a few days.

GottaSki · September 5, 2014

On 8/25/2014 at 1:36 AM, Eric.Wilson said:

Hi Cycling Lady,

I understand that two months is wholly insufficient to resolve my symptoms. I am feeling better everyday, though.

My questions isn't about solving old symptoms. My question is about completely new symptoms as a result of post-diagnosis dietary modifications.

I've never had these symptoms pre-diagnosis.

- foot cramps in the arch of my foot, nearly every-night, between 02:00 and 04:00.

- muscle spasms in my arms, fingers and thumbs during the day.

So my question is; why would I be having these completely new symptoms as a result of a gluten free diet?

Does that help clarify my query?

I was test for vitamin B and D deficiencies pre-diet modification. The results were on the low range of normal. Nevertheless, my physician suggested I take the additional supplements.

Durrsakja, Thanks for the suggestion RE: magnesium. I'll read up a bit more.

Thanks everyone.

Welcome Eric!

Here is a combo of my experience coupled with way too much time spent reading medical journals and added experience "listening" to many folks here over the years...

Celiac Disease is the core of many autoimmune dysfunctions...if diagnosed early and gluten is removed, health is improved relatively quickly. For others it takes longer with a great deal of frustration.

At two months gluten-free with muscle issues, I would supplement with magnesium...malic acid is easy for a healing digestive system to absorb.

Let us know if you have improvement or have more questions

eers03 · September 6, 2014

On 8/25/2014 at 1:36 AM, Eric.Wilson said:

Hi Cycling Lady,

I understand that two months is wholly insufficient to resolve my symptoms. I am feeling better everyday, though.

My questions isn't about solving old symptoms. My question is about completely new symptoms as a result of post-diagnosis dietary modifications.

I've never had these symptoms pre-diagnosis.

- foot cramps in the arch of my foot, nearly every-night, between 02:00 and 04:00.

- muscle spasms in my arms, fingers and thumbs during the day.

So my question is; why would I be having these completely new symptoms as a result of a gluten free diet?

Does that help clarify my query?

I was test for vitamin B and D deficiencies pre-diet modification. The results were on the low range of normal. Nevertheless, my physician suggested I take the additional supplements.

Durrsakja, Thanks for the suggestion RE: magnesium. I'll read up a bit more.

Thanks everyone.

Hi - This happened to me as well. Here are some thoughts to ponder that may help...

1. Make sure you are making an extra effort to stay hydrated. I don't mean drink gallons at a time but make sure you get adequate water.

2. Eat bananas. Make fruit smoothies at your house and drink those once and awhile as a change up.

3. Consider taking some Osteo-Biflex - discuss it with your physician - it's OTC and helps me considerably.

4. Work out but not to the extent of injury or extreme pain but push yourself a little more every day.

5. Make sure you are eating enough calories to support the calories you will burn by being active.

Post diagnosis I had bone/joint/muscle pain. I was quite alarmed. Over time it has mostly gone away. It took several months to a year for it to work its way out but it did. I have had the cramps at night in my muscles the pains that can only be described as bone, etc. I am slightly osteopeanic and have been gluten-free for 2 years now. I have celiac disease as well. Diagnosed at Mayo.

Deb Halfacre · May 8, 2019

On 1/25/2006 at 3:10 PM, num1habsfan said:

I feel like one of the old people (no offense) who an predict the weather. Seriously, I can tell if it going to snow or rain, or if theres going to be a drastic change in weather (from cold to hot, or hot to cold).

Arthritis will get me right in any areas that I have hurt (back, right ankle, right wrist). And then it moves. This week it went from my left elbow, then to my back monday night/yesterday, then as of last night its been in my right ankle.

If you look on the associated disorders there are 6 different kinds of arthritis related to Celiac. So its hard to avoid lol.

I dont think this helped you any, but it was a good excuse for me to rant

~lisa~

Expand Quote

I myself can predict the weather.lol Not only do I have Celiac, I also have MS, Fibromyagia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Neurothopy in extremities and 2 back surgeries to boot. Some Celiac's symptoms match up to my MS symptoms, so don't know what is causing what. Lol. I know exactly what you mean, feeling old.