Question 1

how does hypokalemia affect leg muscle endurance activities like running and swimming? with low potassium can you still build muscle?

Accepted Answer

Muscle cramps: You need proteins to build and maintain muscle, but you need to right balance of fluids and electrolytes to have good muscle function. When your potassium is low, you are more likely to experience muscle cramps and fatigue.

Question 2

can low potassium cause pain anywhere in the leg muscles or just the calf? thank you!

Accepted Answer

Muscle cramps: Low potassium can cause generalized muscular irritability such as twitches or cramps as can low calcium, magnesium or sodium.

Question 3

can advair cause low potassium and muscle cramps?

Accepted Answer

Potentially: Muscle cramps are not rare in patients using long-acting bronchodilator which is an ingredient in Advair. Although low serum potassium level is potentially a problem from beta agonist, I have yet to be convinced that inhaling it (vs taking an oral tablet) could noticeably lower serum potassium level.

Question 4

prilosec for 6 months and hctz (hydrochlorothiazide) for 8. experiencing muscle pain and just tired all the time. could this be the low potassium cause by rx.

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Unlikely but possible. A simple potassium blood test will settle the issue.

Question 5

can your back muscles spasm from low potassium?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Contrary to common belief, low potassium is rarely a cause of muscle cramps. They are usually the result of exercise ( especially strenuous or unaccustomed activity) or inadequate rehydration after exercise.

Question 6

all over muscle twitches for two days, keeping me up at night. ate bananas so not low potassium. no over exertion. did use a back massager. ideas?

Accepted Answer

Muscular twitches: Muscular irritability can also be caused by deficiencies if calcium and magnesium. Try taking some magnesium preparation that your pharmacist can recommend. If symptoms persist you will need to see your physician who will order appropriate tests.

Question 7

i have been on potassium chloride 750 mg for a month now to treat low potassium. i've been experiencing muscle spasms and twitches as well as tingling?

Accepted Answer

Twitching and spasms: Low potassium is rare, and happens in young people after they take diuretics for weight loss. Other reasons are serious and need investigation to determine the cause. Muscle cramps follows calcium, and magnesium unbalanced in  blood. Also, anticholesterol medication or because of low coQ10 enzyme due to restrictive weight loosing diets. Some serious neurologic diseases warrants a neurologist.

Question 8

i am low potassium always for years - but when i supplement i get heart palpitations. catch 22 as i get muscle weakness without the potassium. why?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests. Having said that, it would have helped to know the actual values. Rather than taking chemical supplement, you should increase your intake of fruits like bananas and oranges.

Question 9

i have had muscle cramps in my calfs for a few weeks now. could it be blood clots or low potassium? should i see a doctor right away?

Accepted Answer

Leg : Leg cramps are common for many people. Yes, leg cramps can be occuring as a result of a blood clot in the leg (whoch decreases blood flow to the lower leg, causing pain) or an electrolyte imbalance (which can cause muscles to spasm).
Other causes can be overextertion, peripheral vascular disease, dehydration and nerve disorders.
It is important to see your doctor to determine the causitive factor. 
Also, take a look at your foot and note if there are any changes in color. Seek emergency medical attention for any change in color to the leg/foot and/or if you are experiencing unbearable pain.

Question 10

anion gap keeps  now at 21. increased wbc and burning muscle pain. low potassium. family history of adrenal issues. is anion gap a concern at 21?

Accepted Answer

Acidosis: A large anion gap usually signifies to myuch acid in your blood this needs to be assessed by a Nephrologist

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Doctor answers about:

Can low potassium cause muscle spasms

A member asked:

How does hypokalemia affect leg muscle endurance activities like running and swimming? with low potassium can you still build muscle?

A member asked:

Can low potassium cause pain anywhere in the leg muscles or just the calf? thank you!

A member asked:

Can advair cause low potassium and muscle cramps?

A member asked:

Prilosec for 6 months and hctz (hydrochlorothiazide) for 8. experiencing muscle pain and just tired all the time. could this be the low potassium cause by rx.

A member asked:

Can your back muscles spasm from low potassium?

A member asked:

All over muscle twitches for two days, keeping me up at night. ate bananas so not low potassium. no over exertion. did use a back massager. ideas?

A member asked:

I have been on potassium chloride 750 mg for a month now to treat low potassium. i've been experiencing muscle spasms and twitches as well as tingling?

A member asked:

I am low potassium always for years - but when i supplement i get heart palpitations. catch 22 as i get muscle weakness without the potassium. why?

A member asked:

I have had muscle cramps in my calfs for a few weeks now. could it be blood clots or low potassium? should i see a doctor right away?

A member asked:

Anion gap keeps now at 21. increased wbc and burning muscle pain. low potassium. family history of adrenal issues. is anion gap a concern at 21?

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