twitching

[Guest guest]

The twitching is called fasciculation. I have them sometimes, but they don't

last too long.

Now I more often have the impression that ants or worms are crawing under my

skin, on my lower legs. I've heard that this is fairly common with CMTers, too.

Here is a brief description.

http://www.mdausa.org/publications/Quest/q73ss.html

QUEST Volume 7, Number 3, June 2000

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SIMPLY STATED...

Stiffness, Cramps and Twitching

Neuromuscular diseases can cause a variety of symptoms other than muscle

weakness. Some people may feel their muscles are stiff or don't respond quickly;

others might complain of cramps or twitches; while still others get tired

quickly during exercise.

Not all of these symptoms are painful, but some can be inconvenient or

annoying. Learning the medical names and natures of these symptoms can lead to

better discourse between you and your doctor, and sometimes better management of

symptoms.

Fasciculation

" Fasciculation " is basically a fancy term for a twitch. Like classic cramps,

fasciculations are caused by abnormal nerve activity, but they tend to involve

only a small portion of the affected muscle and aren't generally painful....

While one is occurring, you may observe a small muscle " jump " under the skin.

Fasciculations are made worse by stress, lack of sleep and caffeine. They may

also be seen in people with overactive thyroids, and there's a syndrome of

benign (harmless) cramps and fasciculations. While some people with cramps and

fasciculations develop ALS, in others the problem remains restricted to these

symptoms.

===============================

Kathleen

Seattle WA USA

[Guest guest]

Gretchen,

I tried ice on my feet, but it made the pain worse

where I have plantar fascitis. I put cushy insoles

over my orthotics which I think might help a little.

Do you have any strange little twitchings in your legs

or arms? These just developed in the last month or so,

and I don't know if they are related.

Colleen