Leg cramps

I had my first flare in August 2013, was able to obtain remission after a tough go, via scope by the middle of November and taper off 80mg Prednisone my December.
I ultimately ended up on Humira 40mg every other wee, and 4.8g Lialda. I also take fish oil and a multivitamin.
Before I got sick I had a one time event of very severe leg cramps that basically left me wallowing on the floor. My muscles felt like they were spasming and would pull my my toes upward and they would get stuck. This lasted about 15minutes. However, the next day, my muscles were sore like I had done a tough calf work out in the gym.
However, recently (about 3 weeks ago), I started having them ever 2-3 days. My first thought was my electrolytes (although potassium doesn't make since- no diarrhea, vomiting, or any potassium wasting diuretics) I started supplementing with Magnesium. I saw my PCP who also felt vitamins...so he added calcium and vitamin D, the GYN told me to increase my mag intake after I saw her today.

I don't disagree with them on any of those treatments, but I am curious if anyone else has experienced this? I'm wondering if it is a possible side effect of the meds- although I really didn't find much in regards to that...it's not the end of the world, but is quite miserable when it happens, and the look on my helpless boyfriends face when it happens is even worse!

Were you on prednisone at all? It sure sounds like low potassium, usually brought on prednisone usage. Try a banana a day and see if that helps.

I started getting terrible leg cramps right before I was diagnosed. Nothing seemed to help at first, but after a blood transfusion I felt better. I thought maybe the low blood count made it happen. Then within a couple days they were back. I honestly couldn't sleep more than an hour or two without a cramp, both legs at the same time, the kind you can't even walk with, laying on the ground sobbing. I started taking Magnesium 400mg with dinner, it helped. Then I was diagnosed and started on prednisone, and the cramps were back. Right now I am taking 2 400mg Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, and B12. I haven't had a cramp in almost 2 weeks. It seems like a lot, but I just finally tried everything I found on cramps, and something is working. Thank goodness, I couldn't take it any more.

Yes, my GYN yesterday that I saw was in agreement with it not being potassium. I'm also taking Magnesium, but after speaking to her I increased it to 1000mg. I just started calcium & vitamin D yesterday. I get B12 injections every two weeks.

That's how mine are they hurt soooo bad, it have a fairly high pain tolerance, but these put me on the ground! I roll around, sometimes I can breathe enough to try pushing my toes down, but then the calf cramps. It never fails that it is always in the evenings.
The first time I had them before diagnosis I thought it was because I dieted too hard and worked at too much- assumed bad lactic acid build up & potassium depletion- but now I'm starting to think it was UC related and my body warning me something wasn't right.

Interestingly, my nails used to be really strong and grow really long, a couple years ago they became very brittle and layers would peel off...after I started healing & went into remission my nails got hard and strong again and are long again! I am very suspect that there is a malabsorption of vitamins and nutrients component to this...especially when flaring

Continue what you are doing and add in yoga. Not sure if you are active but if not try adding in a walking workout. (I personally love Leslie Sansone's videos). I get leg pains daily if I don't stretch and move my legs. Also check out what shoes you are wearing, switch to good athletic shoes when you can. (I like Ghost shoes, name sounds weird but so comfy!)