I've been on a drug combo of Kaletra, VidexEC, Viread, and Zerit for about 7 months. Great results, viral load below 50. Only problem I've had is cramping in the muscles of my feet, lower legs and hands. My doctor has checked serum lactase twice and both times it was normal. Potassium and calcium levels are normal as well. Still, I get frequent cramps (3 to 4 times/week ) above muscles for no apparent reason. I've checked the side effects of each drug I'm on and muscle cramping is not among them. Any ideas?

Cramping or restless legs can be a challenge to find an exact cause and treatment for. Low level neuropathy for the ddI or D4T might contribute. Awkward leg positions (especially during sleep) can trigger. Calf cramps are so commmon in the general population they are almost considered normal. When they are recurrent and localized to one side then nerve root irritation can be considered. Benign night time cramps can be helped by quinine sulfate. There are other conditions (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stiff man syndrome) to think about if there are no electrolyte abnormalities. Diffuse cramping like you are experiencing are more unusual. Thyroid disorders can cause that occasionally. I assume that you don't have any evidence of elevated muscle enzymes. An evaluation by a rheumatologist or neurologist may be useful. KH