[Jackie07]

Chrystal,

Ev's suggestion is probably based on the fact that only one side of your extremeties are affected - an MRI could rule out the possibility of brain mets. I understand your feeling hearing the frightening words. But it's something worthing checking into.

Below are two recent abstracts about leg cramps - didn't know if you are experiencing it more during the night or not...

Am Fam Physician. 2012 Aug 15;86(4):350-5.
Nocturnal leg cramps.
Allen RE, Kirby KA.
Source
St. Mark's Family Medicine Residency, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. rallen@utahhealthcare.org
Abstract
Up to 60 percent of adults report that they have had nocturnal leg cramps. The recurrent, painful tightening usually occurs in the calf muscles and can cause severe insomnia. The exact mechanism is unknown, but the cramps are probably caused by muscle fatigue and nerve dysfunction rather than electrolyte or other abnormalities. Nocturnal leg cramps are associated with vascular disease, lumbar canal stenosis, cirrhosis, hemodialysis, pregnancy, and other medical conditions. Medications that are strongly associated with leg cramps include intravenous iron sucrose, conjugated estrogens, raloxifene, naproxen, and teriparatide. A history and physical examination are usually sufficient to differentiate nocturnal leg cramps from other conditions, such as restless legs syndrome, claudication, myositis, and peripheral neuropathy. Laboratory evaluation and specialized testing usually are unnecessary to confirm the diagnosis. Limited evidence supports treating nocturnal leg cramps with exercise and stretching, or with medications such as magnesium, calcium channel blockers, carisoprodol, or vitamin B(12). Quinine is no longer recommended to treat leg cramps.
Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Family Physicians.
Summary for patients in
· Am Fam Physician. 2012 Aug 15;86(4):1.

J Physiother. 2012;58(1):17-22. doi: 10.1016/S1836-9553(12)70068-1.
Stretching before sleep reduces the frequency and severity of nocturnal leg cramps in older adults: a randomised trial.
Hallegraeff JM, van der Schans CP, de Ruiter R, de Greef MH.
Source
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen. jmhallegraeff@online.nl
Abstract
QUESTION:
In adults who experience nocturnal leg cramps, does stretching of the calf and hamstring muscles each day just before sleep reduce the frequency and severity of the cramps?
DESIGN:
A randomised trial with concealed allocation and intention-to-treat analysis.
PARTICIPANTS:
Eighty adults aged over 55 years with nocturnal leg cramps who were not being treated with quinine.
INTERVENTION:
The experimental group performed stretches of the calf and hamstring muscles nightly, immediately before going to sleep, for six weeks. The control group performed no specific stretching exercises. Both groups continued other usual activities.
OUTCOME MEASURES:
Participants recorded the frequency of nocturnal leg cramps in a daily diary. Participants also recorded the severity of the pain associated with nocturnal leg cramps on a 10-cm visual analogue scale. Adverse events were also recorded.
RESULTS:
All participants completed the study. At six weeks, the frequency of nocturnal leg cramps decreased significantly more in the experimental group, mean difference 1.2 cramps per night (95% CI 0.6 to 1.8). The severity of the nocturnal leg cramps had also decreased significantly more in the experimental group than in the control group, mean difference 1.3 cm (95% CI 0.9 to 1.7) on the 10-cm visual analogue scale.
CONCLUSION:
Nightly stretching before going to sleep reduces the frequency and severity of nocturnal leg cramps in older adults.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
NCT01421628.
Copyright © 2012 Australian Physiotherapy Association. Published by .. All rights reserved.