 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-12-06 09:09
I get these in my hands, especially my left hand index finger and thumb twitching when I'm not expecting it, not in stressful situations as this happens at any time (and is happening as I'm typing this).
Sometimes my fingers and hands will tense and cramp up to the point of being painful and I have to physically open them up and then the muscles relax - not great when working or playing as it's very restricting and annoying.
I also get similar tensing and cramps in my neck and lower legs and feet - the worst being when one side of my neck tenses up as that's pretty unpleasant and takes some doing to undo it and also painful when I get foot cramps which are to the point of being dangerous - especially when reverse parking.
Is there anything that can be done to help reduce this? I haven't spoken to my GP about this - I presume it's just one of those things we have to put up with and wonder if it's connected with ME/CFS.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2011-12-06 10:05
I've heard it being related to one's diet (some stuff missing therein), but from the distance it's impossible to tell.
Maybe you can have your metabolism analysed to determine if it's not enough vitamins or too much superglue.
By all means, see your doctor.
--
Ben
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Author: Wes
Date: 2011-12-06 20:40
The posters here all appreciate your expertise and wish you the best.
Have you tried a 10 minute light exercise routine every morning on getting out of bed before doing anything? This could include a bit of running, stretching, and some weight lifting. Good luck!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-12-07 07:33
I've got a set of those spring hand grip things which I use every now and then (squeezing-releasing them slowly instead of fast repetitions) and I do a fair bit of running up and down stairs as I'm always forgetting something! I've considered doing some weight training to see if this improves stamina.
I haven't heard of essential tremors, so I'll look that up. I've got an appointment with my GP later on today (annual asthma review and a 'flu jab) so I'll ask them about this while I'm there.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-12-09 11:45
One thing that was mentioned yesterday (not by my GP but by the asthma nurse who has forwarded this inquiry to my GP) was it could be either too much or too little salt in my diet! I don't put any extra salt on any food, but do use some in moderation in cooking.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Dharma
Date: 2011-12-10 09:42
I've not heard of this caused by low salt, as in table salt: sodium chloride. But from a medical perspective, there are many salts. She may not have meant table salt.
I've heard if this being caused by low potassium or low phosphorous. You could try eating a couple of bananas a day for a few days and see if it eases at all. Another sign of low potassium is itching on the tops of the feet or backs of the hands. Phenylalanine, found in sugar free products such as 'diet' drinks leaches potassium - that is to say, it bonds to the potassium and causes it to be removed from the body.
However, it could be caused by any number of things. It's not normal, and you really should see your GP, not just an asthma nurse, who whilst I'm sure he or she will be very good, will also be very specialised. Don't forget G in GP stands for 'General'!
-----
A horse is drawn to water, but a pencil must be lead.
Post Edited (2011-12-10 21:44)
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-12-29 10:13
If you're an athsmatic, are you using Ventolin or an equivalent in a puffer or nebuliser? One of the side effects of Ventolin is some degree of twitch and/or tremor. I once failed a firearms qualification due to the effects of Ventolin, although I passed it easily a week later. At various times in my life I've experienced the same sort of cramps as you describe, and after some experimenting I've found that in my case it seems to be caused by an electrolyte imbalance. I can get an almost instantaneous improvement by drinking a glass of one of the electrolyte replenishment sports drinks. These are readily available under a number of brand names. The one I'm currently using is Power Aid Isotonic sports drink. This being said, it's a medical maxim that the man who treats himself has a fool for a doctor. You really should see your GP and get a referral to an appropriate specialist at once.
Tony F.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-12-29 15:29
I have over the last year been using Symbicort for my asthma which is a new one to me, but I haven't read up about the side effects or contra-whatsits on them.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: William
Date: 2011-12-29 19:00
I am currently undergoing hemodialysis treatments and have been experiancing a variety of cramping issues--mostly finger and leg at night. Advice I've received from doctors and nurses is: eat a dill pickle to replace salt that might be low; eat a Tums between every meal to replace the calcium loss as a result of my CKD; and eat a banana to boost my low potassium. My finger cramps have not occured (yet) during a performance, but the possibility concerns me. Doctors have not been able to specifically tell me their cause except that all the elements must work together--cacium, magnesium, potassium, and others. Dehydration as a result of dialysis is also a problem that seems to affect many of us during treatment so it may be a good idea to drink more water and see if the cramps subside. Best of all, however, is to visit your GP and, if no help is given, get a referral to a specialist.
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Author: alanporter
Date: 2011-12-30 03:21
Chris.
I have been following your thread here. I am a medical doctor and I can tell you that the only good advice here is to see your doctor and get a thorough check up, and specialist referral if needed.
Your technical musical instrument advice is an unbelievably valuable resource on this forum, and I don't want to lose you !
Good health
Alan
tiaroa@shaw.ca
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2011-12-31 00:15
Just expressing my concern. Have the experts do their best.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: MarlboroughMan
Date: 2011-12-31 00:50
So long as we're sending our best wishes to Chris, count me in. I'll also agree with Alan Porter: see a good doctor, Chris, and get well.
Your posts are really valuable here, and quite a collection of knowledge--I try to read every one of them.
Eric
******************************
The Jazz Clarinet
http://thejazzclarinet.blogspot.com/
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