Question:

I was diagnosed in 2002, since then I was using immune Booster and my CD4 count was high. This year it dropped twice in a months time, now it is 120 but I am still using immune booster and Bactrim but soon I will start using ARV'S of which I am scared of using them because of the after effects. My problem is my legs that are very sore, burning and got lot of cramps, is there anything that can help me from these cramps and pain? I will really appreciate your reply.

Answer provided by:

Daniel Lee, M. D.
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine
UCSD Medical Center
Owen Clinic

In regards to your cramps, it is hard to say if this is related to HIV or not. Cramps are not necessarily more common in HIV patients whether they are taking anti-HIV medications or not. Your description mentions a burning type of pain, which may be more like a neuropathy or a nerve related injury, which can occur with HIV (in patients with low CD4 counts). Typical neuropathy pain starts in both feet (tips of toes, usually) and can spread up from the feet, to the ankles, and up the legs. If this describes what your cramps are like, than starting anti-HIV medications can definitely help as treating HIV can improve the pain. If this description of neuropathy does not fit with what you are describing, then you likely have something else going on. Cramps in general may occur in people for various reasons including dehydration, general deconditioning, or abnormalities of various electrolytes (such as low potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc.). You should probably talk to your primary care provider about these cramps so that they can help you determine the appropriate tests (lab tests) and treatments (if needed). Thanks for your question.

070312
ASKD070306

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, John M. Lloyd Foundation, Roche and Trimeris, John M. Lloyd Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980,2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.