When going through treatment for cancer, there’s a chance you might experience leg cramps, muscle spasms, or both. While cramps of any kind can be uncomfortable, there are some measures you, your caregiver, and your care team can take to address the pain.
Many different treatments and factors can lead to leg discomfort and pain, so it’s important to try and determine where your pain is coming from. Some cancer-related sources of leg pain can include:
- Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy medicines
- Radiation therapy, especially when directed at your hips and legs
- Hormone treatments like tamoxifen or raloxifene
- A tumor or soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in your muscle, or pressing on a muscle in your leg
Being stagnant, staying in one position for too long, and dehydration can also contribute to muscle cramps. Persistent leg cramps can affect your quality of life and sleep, so talk to your cancer care team about how to manage any current pain or discomfort. They can help you put a plan together to alleviate any pain or discomfort that you’re experiencing.
In the meantime, here are a few recommended steps you can take to be proactive:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of liquids daily to avoid becoming dehydrated. Experts at Harvard Health and the Mayo Clinic both suggest about 11.5 cups for women and 15.5 cups for men each day, including plenty of water. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Alternate hot and cold compresses: Using a heating pad or ice pack can help when targeting the exact spot where you’re cramping. If you choose to alternate between the two therapies at home, just remember that heat increases your blood circulation, resulting in reduced muscle tightness and spasms. Cold, on the other hand, reduces swelling and can relieve pain so it’s a bit more tolerable in the short run. Consult with your care team to determine how long you should apply the compresses.
Get up, stretch, and move around: Depending on your overall health, try to move your body as much as you can. If you’re in bed, try to avoid staying in the same position. You can exercise your legs in bed by lifting them or bending and straightening them. It may be helpful to try some gentle stretching before lying down.
Gentle massages: If your care team says it’s okay to massage your leg cramps, you can ask your caretaker or a loved one to gently massage any tight muscles or help you stretch.
Track your symptoms: Keeping track of your symptoms can help you and your care team gain a deeper understanding of what may be causing your leg cramps. Jot down notes including the time of day, what you were doing, or the medications you took that day. You can write them down or use the Tracker feature in the Outcomes4Me app to keep everything in one place.
If you’re still not feeling better, don’t be afraid to talk to your care team or oncology social worker. They might recommend a prescription or medicated gel for pain or even suggest therapeutic massage as part of your new regimen. If your cramping lasts longer than six hours and you start experiencing swelling, heat, redness, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.
This is not medical guidance. Always consult with your medical provider for any specific questions about your own health. For general cancer-related queries, connect with an Outcomes4Me oncology nurse practitioner at no charge through the Outcomes4Me app, using the “Ask Outcomes4Me” button.
