How to Deal with Muscle Cramping in Dialysis

Dialysis patients always complaint about muscle cramping, which brothers patients a lot. And then how to deal with this problem.

Muscle cramping of the hands, feet, and legs is fairly common on hemodialysis. The cause of muscle cramping is unknown. However, three conditions that seem to increase cramping are: 1) hypotension; 2) the patient being below dry weight; and 3) use of low sodium dialysis solution.

Muscle cramps are more commonly associated with low blood pressure. However, some cramping continues even after a normal blood pressure is obtained. In fact, muscle cramping can occur even without a fall in blood pressure. Muscle cramps also can occur when you are below your dry weight. The severe muscle cramping experienced near the end of the dialysis treatment and persisting for a time after dialysis often is due to dehydration.

If you are cramping, let the dialysis staff know. Treatment for cramping vary from unit to unit. When you are cramping and have low blood pressure, the staff may give normal saline. This will increase the fluid in your body and muscle cramping may be relieved. In addition, hypertonic saline or glucose may be given. Heat and massage for the cramping muscle can ease the pain. Ask your doctor and staff what treatments are available to you. For chronic leg cramps they may prescribe Quinine, Carnitine, or another medication.

To avoid cramping, be sure to stick to your fluid and sodium restrictions every day. Maintaining a balance between your dry weight and fluid gains and avoiding foods that make you thirsty and give rise to higher fluid intake are your best defense against muscle cramping.

Also try a program of gentle stretching and toning exercises targeted at the muscles which may tend to cramp during dialysis. Before starting any exercise program, consult with your doctor.


To avoid muscle cramping, you have to avoid dialysis. Improving the kidney function is basic way to avoid dialysis. There are many treatments that can help patients improve the kidney function such as Micro-Chines Medicine Osmotherapy and Medicated Bath. If you want to know more, you can send email to kidneyhospitalabroad@hotmail.com