Is cramping a common symptom with multiple myeloma?
Yes, cramping can be common with multiple myeloma. Many people living with myeloma experience muscle cramps and spasms, particularly at night.
Multiple myeloma can cause cramping in a few ways:
- Hypercalcemia: When myeloma weakens bones, it releases excess calcium into Show Full Answer
Is cramping a common symptom with multiple myeloma?
Yes, cramping can be common with multiple myeloma. Many people living with myeloma experience muscle cramps and spasms, particularly at night.
Multiple myeloma can cause cramping in a few ways:
- Hypercalcemia: When myeloma weakens bones, it releases excess calcium into the blood, which can damage muscles and cause cramping, twitching, and restlessness
- Amyloidosis: This complication causes abnormal proteins in the blood that can damage muscle tissue and lead to cramps
- Treatment side effects: Some chemotherapy drugs and immunomodulatory medications can cause peripheral neuropathy, which may result in muscle spasms, particularly in the hands and feet
Cramping can occur at diagnosis, during treatment, or with relapsed myeloma. Members of MyMyelomaTeam frequently describe experiencing cramps in their legs, feet, hands, and calves that disrupt their sleep.
If you're experiencing new or worsening cramps, it's important to discuss this with your doctor, as it could indicate changes in your condition or treatment side effects that may need to be addressed.
November 7, 2025