Active Low-Carber Forums - Joint Aches Anyone??

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Joint Aches Anyone??

I have been low-carbing successfully for 4 wks now. After the first week my joints have been aching in my ankles, wrists, and knees every day and at night. I used to drink atleast 2 glasses skim milk perday before this diet, but have cut this out. Do you think it's a reaction of not drinking milk, or is this common in everyone when you drastically cut back on your carb intake? My carb intake was ~20 grams first 3 weeks, now I'm at ~25-30 grams. (give or take a few...)

It could be.. that you need some potassium in your diet... Your body may be lacking in them....As for joint pains I experience them but I've found out I've got arthritis so I know it's not from low carbing.

Hi TF - Joanne is right. The PPP is adamant that you supplement potassium. I have found that potassium is a must and so is calcium-magnesium. Try it and you'll see an improvement, I bet. Don't worry about the milk. There are lots of peole who are healthy and never touch dairy. If you are worried, do a little research into the high-calcium vegetables - broccoli for one, I think.

Joanne, how were you dianosed with arthritis? What is it like?

I have been having hip pain for a few years which is why I looked at this thread. One doctor said "bursitis", my normal MD said "not likely." He doesn't seem to be concerned about it. My shoulders and tailbone also ache and I wake up with pins and needles in my legs lots of days. I feel okay in the daytime, it's only going to bed that is a real pain. I do take lots of vitamins and minerals, MSM as well. I am getting tired of this, so any input would be appreciated.

It is so helpful to receive everyone's replies. I'm in early thirties so I don't think these pains are arthritis yet, so possibly is the potassium. What foods is potassium in besides banannas? Are there any low-carb foods I can eat that include potassium or do I definitely just need to purchase a supplement? I have started drinking the Strawberry Atkins shakes for a snack to get the extra vitamins, and it appears that it includes all of them except potassium so that will not help matters. What other advice do you have for me?

I would like to add something

I too had joint pain and my doctor X-rayed my wrists, elbows, shoulders and knees... no arthritis. Then I did blood work. Guess what? I had too much calcium in my diet (From suppliments believe it or not) so I cut it out. Also I was dehydrated (I was drinking 2 liters of water at that time) so I added a liter to that.
My pain is alot less now. :p

Thanks for the input, Lessara. It keeps coming back to water, doesn't it? I think my problem is the tea and occasional coffee that I drink are diruetics, and it's hard to make up the water then. But it's also hard to give them up!

Correction to my previous thread

I was incorrect when I stated that the Atkins Strawberry shakes do not include potassium. They do indeed contain 440mg of Potassium, 30% Calcium, and 20% Magnesium, as well as ~25 other vitamins. They are 4 Carbs (minus 2 for Fiber). Even my husband says they taste as great as they smell. Having one as a snack may help replace any vitamins we may be lacking.

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I have been having hip pain for a few years which is why I looked at this thread. One doctor said "bursitis", my normal MD said "not likely." He doesn't seem to be concerned about it. My shoulders and tailbone also ache and I wake up with pins and needles in my legs lots of days. I feel okay in the daytime, it's only going to bed that is a real pain.

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Have you checked out your spine? The aches an pains could easily be coming from spinal problems--especially the pain you describe in your legs. You may want to have your GP do a typical back/neurological test (very standard) or refer you to a specialist.

One thing I have learned working in spinal surgery...don't let these chronic pains go undiagnosed!!! Often the problem is very physical (degenerative disc disease, disc herniations). In cases like these, diet and exercise (without knowing the cause of the problem) will not help at all, and the problem will simply get worse.

Ideally, you would get an MRI of the spine. Have you ever had a full X-ray done of your spine?

Regards,

Jenn

Hi Jenn

Thanks for the response. I had a spinal x-ray done a few years ago by a chiropractor. I've been going about once a month for spinal alignment.

The chiropractor diagnosed fallen arches and said that orthotics would help. They certainly are comfortable but do not solve the night-time problem. I've been wondering if this is what fibromyalgia is like. My MD (who is also a surgeon) is a pretty cut-and-dried kind of a guy. I am perimenopausal and I know his solution will be to put me on HRT because he brings it up any time I tell him about the pain. I don't want to go there.

If you have any further insight, I'd love to hear from you.

Kay

Quote:

originally posted by TF19310
...I have been low-carbing successfully for 4 wks now. After the first week my joints have been aching in my ankles, wrists, and knees every day and at night.

I seriously doubt the problem is caused by carbs or lack thereof. Two things spring to mind:

- lack of calcium and especially magnesium in the diet can cause muscle and tendon achiness and cramping, especially at night. Are you taking Cal-Mag supplements? Adults need 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium daily, and 450mg magnesium. You can generally find Cal-Mag together in a singel pill :thup:

- the other problem, if you're sure the problem is true JOINT pain, and not muscle cramping .. you may be sensitive to arachidonic acid, which is abundant in the fat of red meat and egg yolks. Here's from the Drs. Eades, of Protein Power:

Quote:

Can I really eat all the red meat and egg yolks I want?

Most people can. However, there are a few concerns to keep in mind. First, you can’t do the Protein Power Plan halfway. You can’t increase your protein foods haphazardly and continue to eat carbohydrates as you do now and expect to see results. In fact, you’ll be worsening your problems if you do so.

Second, there are some people who may have problems with large amounts of red meat and large quantities of egg yolks. These people: have elevated blood pressure and/or cholesterol, retain abnormally high amounts of fluid, and/or suffer from inflammatory conditions such as skin rashes, asthma, allergies, bursitis, or arthritis.

It’s not the cholesterol in red meat and egg yolks that is the problem. It’s the fact that they are high in arachidonic acid, which can promote or worsen the above conditions.

Here is the strategy for these folks to follow: Eliminate red meat and egg yolks from your diet completely for three weeks. At the end of the three week period, take stock of your health. Has it improved? Eat a large portion of red meat and eggs for a couple of meals and observe what happens. If your problems reappear of get worse, you are sensitive to arachidonic acid and should have these foods only once in a while. When you do have them, make sure to remove as much of the fat from the beef as possible. Grill the beef. This will reduce the arachidonic acid by as much as 35%. Another option is to marinate the meat in a combination of red wine and olive oil or light sesame oil for 24 hours before grilling.

As far as eggs are concerned, have no more than one or two whole eggs at a sitting, and eat egg whites the rest of the time. Also, you should avoid margarine altogether (as everyone should).

Another thing you might consider is taking supplements of essential fatty acids, especially omega-3's ... fresh flax, borage or evening primrose oil. These have anti-inflammatory and prostaglandin-inhibiting effects, and may be beneficial for you.

Hope you're feeling better soon :)

Doreen

Update on this post.. I just found out that I have indeed been diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease and arthritis in the same spot...I also have a confirmed case of spondylosis and arteriolethesis..(sp)..Darn.. no wonder my back gave me problems..I'm looking at physio and if that doesn't help I may be looking at spinal fusion...

Aha! The things you find when you do a search!
This is truly a wonderful site!
I've been getting concerned that I've been waking the last few mornings with the sort of pain in my hips and shoulders that I usually only get on the very coldest winter nights.
I've only been low carbing for 3 weeks but was kinda hoping ole Arthur would have all but vanished by winter.
Very interesting stuff from the Eades book. I have been thinking about buying their book, now I definitely will.
I seem to fit the pattern to a "T" of people having problems with red meat and eggs. I have raised cholesterol, fluid retention probs, asthma, allergies and osteoarthritis.
So chicken, fish and fewer eggs will be on the menu for the next few weeks and we'll see what happens.
Thanks, Doreen!
There's also a possibility I've been overdoing the calcium. I've been taking 1000mg (500 Mg) daily plus 100g or more of cheese. Hmmm, think I'll stick to a total of no more than 1200mg (I am post menopause) and see what happens.
Thanks for a helpful post and I hope your problems are over, TF19310.
And Joanne I do hope the physio has been helping.

:rose:Rosebud:rose:

Don't forget the potassium found in salt substitutes...they are made from potassium Chloride. 1/4 tsp has 17% of your RDA of Potassium.