The past 5 weeks i've been getting severe cramps in my calves and feet, especially at night.The cramps are so bad that my toes spread out and the pain is intense. I finished chemo about 1 month ago. I currently take 20 mgs of prednisone for lung inflammatory response from chemo. None of my HIV meds have changed. My legs and feet are just so constantly sore from these cramps. What could be causing this? My oncologist is overseas and my PCP can't see me for several weeks. Do you think it's electrocyte imbalance from possibly chemo.

It is not unusual to have symptoms of one type or another after completing chemotherapy. The battle to recover from cancer treatments is no less challenging than the cancer treatments themselves. Electrolyte balances can indeed cause cramps and you should have your electrolytes measures (e.g. potassium, calcium, magnesium, and so on). My suspicion is that all these levels will be normal. Prednisone can cause both electrolyte imbalance and leg weakness. Treatment for leg cramps is less than optimal-- the two most common treatments are benadryl (e.g. 25 mg) at bedtime and quinine sulfate. Both are reasonably effective and reasonable safe, though quinine can cause low platelets counts. Benadryl is over-the-counter; quinine requires a prescription. Pain medications can also help. Good luck.