Thanks for all the new answers. I’ve recently begun taking prescription potassium with new heart medications. Have tried flavored magnesium drink. I’ve taken B-complex tablets for years (double doses). Prescription muscle relaxers, nothing. None if these have made any difference. Have never tasted tonic water but will check out its ingredients. Don’t think I could stomach Gatorade but will buy a bottle and try it, although I don’t see how I could have an electrolyte imbalance. Have been considering ordering Theraworx but want to know what the active ingredient is first—I’ve probably already tried it.

@A myRAteam Member - I also have tendinitis in both shoulders for years that my rheumy doesn’t think is RA because there’s no joint deformity. Just another example of why I think she’s using old-school criteria. I’ve read many authoritative sources that say tendinitis, to the point of the tendon spontaneously detaching (which I’ve had) can be caused by RA—this IS a systemic disease which can attack tendons, blood vessels, heart, lungs...none of which would cause joint deformity. But I don’t argue with her, I just wonder what she’s thinking...

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A myRAtea...

How do you know you have tendinitis? Did you have a MRI to check for a torn rotator cuff?

I had a similar problem with my shoulders, and my RA doc offered shots into the shoulder to help relieve the pain. Those helped for a while. He did not see joint damage from the RA and said to see an ortho doc to be certain nothing else was wrong. If you haven’t had an MRI consider seeing an orthopedic doc and getting the MRI. After 1 torn and 3 complete tears to the rotator cuff and surgery on each side, I’m glad I did. There was no joint damage in my shoulder from RA — the damage was Osteo and tendons from overuse and also age related.

Also, tendinitis usually heals. Did you see your general physician for the shoulder issue? It may have nothing to do the RA. Physical therapy or surgery could be needed.

I’ve experienced severe muscle cramps in feet and calves. I was given a muscle relaxant combined with an opioid to be taken regularly for a week or so. During a spasm I thoroughly stretched by legs and feet. I found the combination of the muscle relaxant and opioid relaxed the muscle and provided the pain relief required to stretch through the spasms/severe pain. Now I stretch through the spasm, hurts a bit but works for me.

I too get really bad muscle spasms. Drinking quinine water has helped me it taste terrible but sipping it on ice with a little juice. If u like gin and tonic u will probably like quinine water also I have very low vitamin D levels and dr put me on two 500 mg a day and it has helped . When I tell people I get Charlie horse like spasms in my back and buttocks they think iam crazy.

I know if I wear shoes with even a hint of a heel, I have cramps in my legs, especially if I have to stand for any length of time. I had this problem constantly when I was working. Also when I wear flip flops or mules or shoes that slip off of my heel I have the cramps because I scrunch my toes to keep the shoes on when I walk. If you are using different muscles from time to time it might be causing the problem. But as I said I really had the same problem when I was constantly on my feet and it was worse if I wore a different hight of heel.

There is also a new product that is a topical foam that has helped my dialysis patient, it is called theraworx. Tonic water will also help as marywalkereanes suggests.