Lung cancer doesn’t just affect the lungs. For many people, lung cancer symptoms (and side effects from treatment) can be felt throughout the body.

“Although my cancer resides in the right lung, I have excruciating muscle cramp pain in my left lower side,” shared a MyLungCancerTeam member.

Various factors can cause leg cramps. Some of the causes are related to lung cancer, and others are caused by an unrelated issue. Either way, once you figure out why you have leg cramps, you can take steps to find relief.

Potential Causes of Leg Cramps

When people exercise too much or too little, they often experience leg cramps. Sometimes, these cramps are caused by intense physical activity, and other times, they’re the result of standing or sitting for a long time.

Mineral deficiencies, nerve damage, and kidney problems can also contribute to leg cramps. Several medications list leg cramps as a potential side effect, including statins for high cholesterol, diuretics (water pills), and mood stabilizers or sleeping pills.

There are many ways that lung cancer can increase the risk of leg cramps. For example, some people find it difficult to stay hydrated with chronic coughing or a poor appetite. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause nerve damage that leads to leg cramps.

One study cited that people taking osimertinib (Tagrisso) experienced muscle cramps as a possible side effect during lung cancer treatment. MyLungCancerTeam members have also reported this issue. “The side effects from Tagrisso are difficult,” said a MyLungCancerTeam member. “I have leg cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue.”

Here are some tips that can help you take charge of leg cramps.

1. Discuss Your Medications and Treatment Plan

Lung cancer is a challenging disease and you may need multiple medications for treatment.

Although these medications can be lifesaving, they also come with a fair share of side effects.

Leg cramps can be a bothersome side effect associated with drugs that prevent or treat the loss of bone density, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormone therapies. Although leg cramps aren’t usually dangerous to your health, they can be very annoying and uncomfortable. They may affect your ability to get a restful night’s sleep or exercise and work. Fortunately, adjusting your dosage, switching treatments, using over-the-counter painkillers, or making other lifestyle changes may help reduce side effects like leg cramps.

Don’t stop taking any medications without consulting your cancer care team. Your oncology team can help come up with treatment options that work for you, but only if you let them know about the issues you’re experiencing. Open communication is key to managing your treatment effectively and maintaining your health.

2. Stay Hydrated With Fluids and Electrolytes

Muscles need hydration. In addition, maintaining the right level of electrolytes is crucial to prevent leg cramps and muscle spasms, as these minerals help contract and relax the muscle fibers. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium all work together for optimal muscle function. We take in electrolytes in the foods and beverages we consume. The kidneys help regulate the levels of electrolytes in our body.

“Have you tried eating bananas?” asked a MyLungCancerTeam member. “Sometimes, if your potassium is low, you can get incredibly painful cramps.”

Getting electrolytes through foods rather than supplements can help avoid potential side effects.

“I am trying to balance leg cramps with magnesium causing diarrhea,” said a MyLungCancerTeam member.

Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to discuss your food and fluid intake to ensure you’re giving your body the right fuel to feel your best. If you have electrolyte imbalances, they may be a sign of other medical conditions that should be assessed.

3. Treat Blood Clots

Blood clots, especially in the legs, can be a serious cause of leg cramping. One of the most common types is called deep vein thrombosis. Other types of venous blood clots include superficial venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Having cancer increases your risk of developing blood clots. In addition, certain cancer treatments and other health conditions like diabetes also increase your risk. Your doctor may prescribe blood thinners or surgery to treat a blood clot. In general, moving more and avoiding sitting or lying down for too long helps prevent or treat blood clots.

4. Let Go of Stress

Stress can have many unpleasant effects on the body, including leg cramps. From the initial cancer diagnosis to managing life with lung cancer, stress is a common concern. Using mental health techniques to prevent and relieve stress is a vital part of the healing process.

MyLungCancerTeam members have shared their struggles with stress and their best tips for managing it. “Try working on deep breathing exercises before bed to help you relax and decrease your anxiety,” suggested one member. “Try thinking happy and positive thoughts. Breathe in positive thoughts and exhale negative ones.” Others recommended going for walks or cuddling with their pets to lower stress.

5. Apply Warm or Cold Compresses

Placing an ice pack or heating pad on muscle cramps can help ease your symptoms. You can also incorporate some gentle massage to help stop the cramps. However, you should discuss your plan with a health care professional first to make sure you’re treating leg cramps the right way.

If your leg cramps continue for six hours or more or you have muscle weakness, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They may recommend muscle relaxants or other options to get the problem under control. You should also reach out for medical advice if your legs feel swollen, warm to the touch, or tender because these can be signs of an infection. Leg cramps accompanied by severe pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, a fast heart rate, and pain in your shoulder, jaw, or back could mean you need immediate medical attention in the emergency room.

6. Practice Gentle Stretching Exercises

“Stretching helps,” said a MyLungCancerTeam member. Making a habit of stretching your body before tucking in for the night may help ward off leg cramps in bed. If you feel a leg cramp coming on during the day, slowly stretch the area as much as possible to see if it helps.

Moving and stretching regularly increase blood flow and help prevent leg cramps, as long as you don’t overdo it. “I get up and walk every hour,” shared another MyLungCancerTeam member. “I do seated leg kicks, one leg at a time and then both legs at the same time. I also sit down and stand up 15 times in a row every other hour. … If you get a chance to benefit from physical therapy, grab it and stay with it as long as you can.”

You can ask your oncologist for a referral to a physical therapist who has experience helping people with similar issues. Managing leg cramps when you have lung cancer can significantly improve your quality of life. By staying hydrated, discussing medications with your health care team, addressing blood clots, managing stress, applying warm or cold compresses, and practicing gentle stretching exercises, you can find relief from these uncomfortable symptoms. Always keep an open line of communication with your cancer care team to address any new or worsening symptoms promptly.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLungCancerTeam is the social network for people with lung cancer and their loved ones. On MyLungCancerTeam, more than 13,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lung cancer.

Do you have a pain management strategy for dealing with leg cramps? How do leg cramps affect your quality of life? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.