What Causes Muscle Cramps In Nephrotic Syndrome

What causes muscle cramps in Nephrotic Syndrome? Nephrotic Syndrome is a kidney problem characterized by lots of protein in urine which can trigger swelling, low protein in blood and high blood lipid. In some cases of Nephrotic Syndrome, patients may also found they are experiencing muscle cramp which affects their life seriously. To be honest, muscle cramp is not as common as swelling among Nephrotic Syndrome patients, but under some circumstances, they indeed experience muscle cramp. Here, we will give an introduction about the possible cause for muscle cramp in Nephrotic Syndrome.

1. Diuretics

Fluid retention is one of the most visible symptom. Excess fluid stay in the space between cells, making patients look fat. In that cases, if no effective treatment is given timely, fluid retention will spread to the whole body and finally pulmonary edema will be caused. Diuretics help our body to discharge excess fluid and they are beneficial for Nephrotic Syndrome patients to remit fluid retention. However, if diuretics are used for a long time, lots of potassium will be discharged out of the body, leading to hypokalemia which can cause muscle cramp directly.

2. Serious nervous system condition

In early stage of Nephrotic Syndrome, no nerve problems are caused. However, with the progression of illness condition, kidney failure will be caused. Kidney failure is an illness condition that may involve all the bod systems, including nerve system. When nerve system is affected seriously, muscle cramp may occur.

3. Low blood volume

Low blood volume is another possible cause for muscle cramp in Nephrotic Syndrome. In cases of Nephrotic Syndrome, large amounts of protein are lost from urine, which can cause low blood volume. Besides, Nephrotic Syndrome patients are usually asked to limit fluid intake due to severe fluid retention. Low fluid intake also plays a role in causing low blood volume and causing muscle cramp.

4. Dialysis

Dialysis is required when Nephrotic Syndrome progresses to kidney failure. And in some cases of Nephrotic Syndrome, muscle cramp may occur as a complication of dialysis.

For Nephrotic Syndrome patients, they may experience muscle cramp due to different factors. And with different causes, different remedies will be needed. Therefore, for Nephrotic Syndrome patients who are suffering muscle cramp, it is necessary for them to found out the root cause of it firstly and then take corresponding measures.