Asthma Medications & Calf Pain: Understanding the Connection

Calf pain is typically caused by muscle cramps. A variety of conditions can cause muscle cramps, including inadequate potassium or magnesium. Some asthma medications, including corticosteroids, can reduce levels of these important minerals.

Potassium

• Potassium promotes kidney function and acts as an electrolyte. Balancing potassium requires balancing sodium and magnesium in the blood. One of the side effects of of low potassium, also called hypokalemia, is muscle cramps.

Magnesium

• According to a study conducted by the European Respiratory Journal in 1996, asthmatics have lower magnesium levels than the healthy participants.

Asthma Medications

• Some asthma medications cause potassium and magnesium levels to decrease. These include corticosteroids and theophylline.

Calf Pain Treatment

• Basic treatment for calf pain includes stretching and relaxation. If that doesn't work, you should talk to your doctor about trying different medications.

Discontinuing Asthma Medications

• Asthma can be a life threatening condition. You should never discontinue use of asthma medications without consulting your doctor.