Calf muscles symptoms and conditions

I was prescribed Avelox for a sinus infection that would not go away. After 4 days of taking it I have had severe cramping in my joints around my ankles, knees, shins and calf muscles. I have pain in my fingers too. I feel totally out of it, and dizzy. I have little to no appetite. This is a terrible drug, and should be pulled off the market. I was desperate to get rid of my sinus infection, and now I find myself having bigger problems from the side effects of this drug.
I have had pain now for 4 days. Does anyone know when this pain goes away?

I am 61 years old. I started taking Lisinopril 10mg, once a day about 6-7 months ago. Because of cough, I switched to Diovan 80mg, once a day (samples from my physician friend). After running out of Diovan samples, I started taking Lisinopril 5 mg, once a day again about three months ago. For better BP control, I ended up again taking Lisinopril 10 mg, once a day about 5-6 weeks ago. I started to simultaneously suffer from having persistent, extensive and progressively worsening joint and muscle pains in my both sides of neck, both shoulders, both upper arms, left elbow, left lower arm, both wrists, both hands, all fingers, both knees and left calf muscles. I had difficulties walking, moving my arms, shoulders, doing anything with my hands at the peak of the pains about 7-8 days ago. In the night, my fingers were very stiff and uncomfortable that I hardly could make a fist and I had difficulties getting up to go to bath room because of pains. I felt like I were a 90 years old man. Even Cataflam and Advil did not work well to relieve the pain. As a retired physician, I started to suspect it was Lisinopril-induced side effects. I searched on Google and found this web site. Now, I realize that I am not alone. I got my Lisinopril from CVS Pharmacy. I immediately stopped taking Lisinopril about one week ago. All my joint and muscle pains have been dramatically subsiding (although not completely disappeared) without taking any NSAID pain killer. Even "cough problem" became much worse during the same time. I am convinced that Lisinopril I got from CVS caused my serious, extensive, multiple joint and muscle pains. Perhaps, FDA should look into this side effect: whether it is common ACE inhibitor related side effect or it is possible manufacturer, country origin of the product related problem (made in a non-USA country and imported by CVS?). I would never take Lisinopril again. Posted by myh810.

Hi All,

I am so glad that I found this group of postings. For the past 5 days I have been experiencing muscle pain which began on the inside of my left knee day 1. On the second day I had significant pain in both calf muscles as if I had begun a new calf workout routine(I haven't) as well as pain in the large back muscle that runs down either side of the spine. Day 3 I noticed serious pain in my forearms and wrists. The forearm pain is causing hand cramping and my thumbs don't seem to function properly. I tried to sign a credit card receipt today and could barely grip the pen. I now have pain in my neck muscles as well.

I know I have taken Levaquin in the past 6 months, I am just not exactly sure when it was. I am definitely going to research that. I went to the Dr. yesterday to discuss my muscle pain. He took 2 viles of blood. He said he is going to check for Lyme's disease and other infection. I am hopeful it is not something serious. I must say thought, many of the posts above sound a lot like what I am experiencing. I am going to be beyond angry if I have a permanent condition from taking Levaquin. Some pain I believe I can deal with. It is the current poor function of my hands I am most concerned with.

I wish all of you the best in recovering. If my condition turns out to be something else I will repost.

I am 50 years old. Two years ago was diagnosed with very high LDL and low HDL. I told my doctor then that I did not want to go on statin drugs, but 3 months of Niaspan didn't help the cholesterol, and I hated the hot flashes and flushing that could come at any time after taking a dose. So my doc put my on Zocor.

Two years later I my bad cholesterol is within normal limits but my good cholesterol is still too low, even with fish oil and borage oil taken regularly. Almost immediately after starting the Zocor I started experiencing light-headedness and dizziness that would last for up to a minute--even lying down in bed! My doctor prescribed Meclizine for the dizzy spells--more stinking drugs! I get migraines at least twice a month. For the last six months now I have been experiencing increasing muscle pain, joint pains in the knees, elbows and fingers, and now have been having stabbing pains in lower back around the kidneys. I would wake up in the middle of the night with shooting pains and stiffness in my left knee and cramps in my calf muscles. The first joint of my middle finger had become extremely soar so that I could not make a fist or grip tightly. I have had a recurring stabbing pain in my chest under the left pectorals muscle. My feet and toes are soar--especially my left foot. When I exercise even the slightest or do some long walking or outside work, my muscles in the arms and legs get very soar and tender, then stiffen up. I had to see a massage therapist to loosen up my legs last week! Six months ago I would be up at the crack of dawn, ready to start my day, but recently I have become very lethargic and tired with little zeal for any physical activity. I have had intermittent pain in my left testicle. We recently moved and I started seeing a different doctor. After a physical exam, he brushes off these symptoms.

Well, I stopped taking the Zocor a week ago, and already my fingers are much better, although my knees and elbows are still soar. The dizziness has gotten worse but I'm hoping that after my body re-adjusts and flushes the simvistatin that that will subside, too. I have drastically changed my diet to drop 15 to 20 pounds and lower the cholesterol with better eating habits and swimming exercise; hopefully that will help alleviate the pain, too.

I am a 57 year old male, who is in very good shape and active playing sports. I had a bad cold and had just finished a 3 day "burst" of prednisone per my asthma specialist. I am supposed to keep it on hand and take it if my usual meds and "rescue" inhaler are not working, and I feel that I am going into an infection (asthmatic bronchitis). The steroid treatment did not work, so I saw a doctor who prescribed Levaquin (with a coupon for $15 off) - for 10 days. The pharmacist remarked that they had seen a LOT of these coupons and that the drug reps must be doing their jobs. I read the warnings which noted that "in rare instances, ...". after I got home. Since I was leaving town immediately and did not have time to change meds, I took the Levaquin. I have suffered leg cramps for over three weeks now and don't know when or if they will disappear. The cramps appear in my hamstrings, groin, thighs, and calf muscles. They are debilitating. Sometimes I can barely walk. I am no longer able to play racquetball. I try to stretch out and warm up thoroughly before physical activity, but the cramps still appear in one muscle group or more - then I stop immediately.

I get these painful cramps in both legs the back of my legs above my
calf muscles. They always come after midnight when I am asleep. i
get up and I have to walk 30 minutes or more until they stop,and for
two days my legs are sore.

My experience with levaquin has been a nightmare, n a few other drugs as well. It all began last year in August. Went on vacation came back with a bad kidney infection, strep, and bug bites. Doctor gave me lev. n within mins. I was feeling the drug it was awful. I was climbing out of my skin, anxiety I guess, could not sleep but an hr. mind was racing. next day the body pains began, headache, calf, muscles all over ached, not sure if i took another pill or not, but was sent to ER. That Dr. gave me Keflex 500mg 4X a day, Now mind you I have been for the past 10 years having reactions to penicillin and other meds, so i did inform theses drs. of this as my father n siblings have also, but mine seems to be severe NOW! Then all heck broke loose. Now during the time of the keflex i still was not sleeping and the pains in muscles did not stop. everything from the lev, was still there n the keflex just added. It gave me gastritis, vaginititis, n colitis, n the dr. put me back on until the burning was unreal. Have had 7 months of pains,anxiety,numbness, tingles, acid reflux, weight lose, n reactions to every pill made. can not take zantac swelled my throat,use to take it yrs. ago. omeprazole bad to thats where the numbness has come after taking, prednisone took 2 days n my throat became inflamed n more muscles went crazy. can not take Tylenol or Ibuprofen. I have been so sick mind in a fog can barely function,Xmas was tough had to have my mother who is 75. come take care of my family n me n to take me to dr. appt. which there has been a ton, NO answers they were telling my family it was me, I was feeling like giving up crying all the time because i did not know how to let people know or how to make them see that this was not me.Finding this web site has help me keep my sanity, and show my family look this is me, I am slowly having better days as my body detoxes, but scared when i will need meds. trying to find natural ways but is slow n not sure where to go or trust. I tried to get an allergist immunologist to test me n he said these things can not happen, and refused to test me. I am on a quest to find other ways, as 2 of my children are reacting like me and it will be just a matter of time before something does this to them. My 28 yr. old has helped me alot she knew what was going on. So now she is worried what is down the road for her, my 13 got sick while i have been and received a penicillin and she started having anxiety n heart palps, n still now she gets heart palps. As i said it is in the family but it is more severe in me n my kids are having reactions sooner. So if any one has any other options for me to look into please let me know. I am about 50% back to where i was, but it has been life changing, diet has changed, no more bad stuff, coffee, quit smoking, etc. its not hard to do when you hurt n feel so bad u try anything. Try this is so long but something has got to be done about these drugs. Mainly antibiotics, My research has come up with numbers of 150,000 people die from these types of drugs, That the drug companies put drs. thru school, That mainly women this happen to, Now i know that the drugs are important and have help millions of people i just don't like the fact that they know that some of us this will happen or even kill us, They need to find solutions for us, the ones that they have harmed permanently, and not deny the drugs caused these problems. Thanks for letting me express myself.

I am a 65-year-old female. I was given Lipitor 10mg in Feb 07, which I appeared to tolerate, with the effect of reducing my high familial cholesterol. Because of a genetic enzyme problem, I am careful about my diet; having been a vegetarian for decades. I don’t smoke, and rarely have wine. By May that year my GP increased the dose to 20mg., but days later I was sent to A + E with cardiac concerns. The hospital adamant it had nothing to do with Lipitor.

By mid 2008 I told my GP of dizzy spells, and loss of balance, also swallowing difficulties, but after liver function tests I was reassured it couldn’t possibly be Lipitor.

Early October 08, saw me in hospital with a ‘stroke’, although the CAT scan and MRI were puzzling. I was sent home with no help or guidance after the Consultant insisted Lipitor was not a problem, and I should not reduce it, as it was already a very low dose. Unable to walk to the end of my street, my calf muscles feeling as though I’d run a marathon, and experiencing cardiac stress. Severe neck and shoulder pains, and confusion with words. Frequent muscle spasms in my feet, legs and hands, etc. etc. No energy for anything, and so difficult coping - living alone. End of Dec. a friend from out of town visited, and was alarmed, as she’d researched a web site for her brother, who was using a walking frame. I was astounded at the reports from users of Lipitor, so many suffering in the same way. Although my GP had arranged more laboratory tests for me, I was not prepared to wait.

On 6th January 2009, (almost 2 years later) I reduced my dosage to 10mg., and within days was experiencing improvement in many areas. By 17th January, I reduced to 5mg., (maybe a little hasty) and by 24th stopped it. By 28th my GP could see for himself, the considerable improvement generally, with a lower blood pressure reading.

By then, I could complete half, of what used to be my regular walking regime. To date, I am able to cover more than that, and hope I will eventually be able to cover the full distance. I’m hoping there will be no lasting damage, but am so thankful that my friend found this website. Its scary to think I had no quality of life, and doubt I would have survived more Lipitor. So I’m taking my chances with high cholesterol, and a near normal life.

M.

New Zealand

I have atherosclerosis and had a triple bypass in 1996 - since then I have been taking lipitor - first started out at 40 mg and just recently started taking 80 mg. I can relate to the leg cramps - both my right and left calf are pretty knotted up, and my calf muscles twitch somewhat when I get in bed - and then just prior to waking up I usually get a cramp in one or both legs. I have really had no other side effects - I excercise regularly on the elliptical machine. I feel like maybe drinking more water might alleviate the cramps - I'm going to religiously try to keep hydrated this year. Even so, I do feel like the cramping is a result of the medicine.

I have been on this medication for 3 months now. I am a 28 year old male, 6'2", weigh 211lbs, and in overall good health. My blood pressure average is 144/72 without the medication, but on the medication it seems to stay around 136/66. It took about one week for the blood pressure medicine to start working and when it did I felt very tired (which is normal). Now, in my third month I have started to notice new symptoms like severe headache in the right front lobe, severe tiredness, cold fingers and toes (in warm conditions), severe lower back pain, mood swings, blurred vision in the right eye (same location as headache), and a occasional twitch in my right thumb (probably not related to the medicine). When I first started this medication I did read all of these post and figured that everyone was crazy and/or nuts, but know I am thinking that I would rather stop the medication
and start seeking out for a better medication.. I know medicine has side effects but damn!!! Anyone else have cold fingers and toes while they have been on the medication..thanks

Hi everyone.Ive been on Yasmin now for 10months due to really bad heavy painful periods.I wasn't at all happy about going on it as i have tried different ones in the past and gained a lot of weight, but as this was my last chance in trying something to stop the bad periods or get pregnant as I wasn't in the right place to do that I had to give in and try it.I was told that I wouldn't gain that much weight,just a couple of pounds.But i have put so much weight on.About a stone in weight.And i work out 3/5days a week.And it doesn't matter how hard I try I cant seem to shift the weight which is really upsetting.I decided today that i would do some research on it as i know somethings not right with my body.My boobs have grown so much bigger and are so very much painful.My legs are swollen,my calf muscles really hurt when i exercise.As I use to be a dancer I have always had good legs muscles and ive always exercises so I knew it wasn't because of that.I became very moody,tired,insomnia,dizzy,head aches which I hardly ever got before and very snappish.I didn't want 2 do anything.I became very depressed about my body and life in general.Crying all the time.My doctor put me on anti-depressants and even though ive chilled out a lot more,everything else remains the same.You just know your own body,and ive known for sometime that taking this pill wasn't doing me any good.It may have stopped the painful heavy periods but at what cost!!! To have even more problems then you had before.I was reashured by my doctor who may I add was a gynecologist for 18years,told me it was the best one and hardly any side effects.Yeah right what a frigging joke.Im so unhappy about my self,and my life.Oh and you guest it,no sex drive.This pill has to be taken off the market.They haven't a clue how bad this is and what effect and long term damages its doing to us women.As im going to see my G.P tomorrow im going to be taken off it.Im so happy I found this web site.I thought I was going mad,and had a weird body.I just hope that when I do come off it that I don't go back to the bad heavy painful periods as it got to the point that i was on the floor and couldn't get up I was in that much pain that I couldn't take it anymore.I think thats why i have stayed on it for so long as im afraid of going threw all that pain again.So if anybody else out there reading this knows if theres any other way to stop it from happening again without taking the pill or having the injection or coil put in, please write back to me and let me know.
Samantha Blake from Blackpool.aged 24.

Along with uncharacteristic depression from using singulair for only a few months- I experienced ( and still now, after 1 week prior to ending my daily dosage) terrible lower calf cramps I have never experienced before. Not only do I get quick searing pains in my legs at night, but my calf muscles are very sore whenever participating in brisk physically activity. I hope these side effects will terminate shortly- because for an athletic thirteen year old high school freshman, depression, lack of energy and physical pains are not making the beginning of young adulthood a very enjoyable experience

After 3 days of Levaquin at one 500 mg pill per day for a sinus infection and swollen lymph node, I suffered severe pain in the calf muscles of both legs and am only able to walk short distances, if at all. This started yesterday and I have stopped the drug, am icing my calfs, relying on friends to help me, and praying that there has been no permanent damage.

Found this on a web site listed at the end.
Very scary!!! COQ10 is a must when taking any statin drugs your body needs it for your
muscles. Other statin drugs may be better.

Numerous adverse side effect reports have implicated Lipitor as a possible cause for severe neuromuscular degeneration. Some people who have been using Lipitor for two years or more report symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis or ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease - in which they are losing neuromuscular control of their bodies.

For instance, in an article entitled "Life After Lipitor" that appeared in the newspaper Tahoe World on January 27, 2004, Tahoe City (California) resident Doug Peterson began having serious neuromuscular problems after taking Lipitor for two years. He began losing muscular coordination and slurring words when he spoke. Then he lost balance, followed by loss of fine motor skills - he had difficulty writing. He went from doctor to doctor, trying to figure out what could be happening. Finally one doctor suggested that he stop taking Lipitor, and the downward health spiral stopped and his health is now slowly improving.

These adverse effects have begun appearing in peer-reviewed medical journals, and numerous people have reported similar symptoms at public adverse effect reporting websites such as medications.com. People have reported "trouble swallowing, trouble talking and enunciating words, feeling fatigued all the time, neck aches," "motor neuropathy which mimics ALS," "Blinding headaches, nausea, vertigo, disorientation, memory loss, extremely dry eyes, pain and stiffness in my neck and calf muscles, abominal pain," and "Muscle pain, weakness, spasms, buzzing in right leg. Can't hold arms or head up in vertical position for 2 minutes without extreme pain and weakness."

How could Lipitor potentially cause this kind of harm to so many different parts of the body? Lipitor is a "statin" drug which inhibits the production of cholesterol in order to lower LDL cholesterol counts. By limiting the production of cholesterol, Lipitor may be indirectly causing membrane degeneration in neural and muscle tissue.

The problem is this: cholesterol is essential in your body for many functions. It forms part of what is called the cell membrane - the outer layer of every cell in your body. It helps transport and pack the major components of the cell membrane, called "phospholipids," that are made from essential fatty acids (EFAs). Without sufficient cholesterol we would die, because our tissues are constantly being repaired and replaced with new cells.

Our body produces several thousand milligrams of cholesterol per day to carry out these essential functions, and each day the excess of cholesterol is supposed to be naturally recycled. If your body doesn't have enough new cholesterol each day, you cannot repair and replace your cell membranes and they will eventually degenerate.

The continual recycling of cholesterol happens naturally when you have sufficient ascorbate, another name for vitamin C. Excess cholesterol is naturally converted to bile acid and then excreted. But if you don't consume enough vitamin C (about 2000-3000 milligrams per day for an adult), cholesterol builds up in your bloodstream. It is here that doctors make a critical error: instead of telling you to take more vitamin C, they prescribe Lipitor.
If Lipitor and other similar statin drugs are in fact indirectly causing neural and muscular degeneration, this is a very serious matter indeed.

There are twenty million people in the U.S. on Lipitor alone, and probably millions more on other statin drugs (Zocor, Pravachol, Mevacor, Altocor, Lescol, Crestor, etc.). Are they all going to become victims of cell membrane degeneration and nervous system problems? There are few long-term studies that bear out the safety of these drugs, and side effects such as "muscle pain or weakness" are just classified as a reason for some to stop the medication rather than an indication of something very wrong with the drug.

What is most horrifying about this problem is that cholesterol balance can be achieved without drugs, simply and safely by taking 2000-3000 milligrams of vitamin C per day for an adult. Unfortunately, vitamin C was misclassified as a micronutrient in the 1930s and 1940s, rather than an essential nutrient involved in dozens of body processes. Our health authorities recommend that we take only 60 milligrams per day, barely enough to prevent scurvy.

It is my hope that people on Lipitor and other statins learn that they do not need to take these potentially harmful drugs.

For more information about the connection between vitamin C and the prevention of cardiovascular disease, see the article Natural Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease, or visit the research website of Dr. M.
******

what a relief to read all your experiences! I too have been on the ring for about 5 months, while my sex drive was not totally shot - i too get these insane cramps in my calf muscles that wake me up at night on a regular predictable basis. to cure those i started taking vitamins and eating bananas more. weight-wise, i'm sure i gained ten pounds since i started but was too depressed to check so i waited until i knew i lost a few and now i'm 7 pounds heavier than when i started. of course I tell this all to my doctor and she's like "That's strange, it's such a low dose of hormones that shouldn't happen." FINALLY the worst of it is the first week I put it in I'm INSANELY emotional. crying hourly. today's been such a hard day - worsened by the fact that it was my birthday two days ago and one of the most pathetic birthday's of my life so i just keep thinking about it and crying. so i wonder if it's the ring thats exaggerating my emotions or if i'm really feeling depressed about having a lame birthday. does anyone else have this first-week slump? i hate it. i want to go off the ring now but i hate taking the pill and i feel like any BC has some hideous undesirable side effect. PLUS when having sex, it's popped out 3 times and i haven't been able to find it after!!! so annoying. what to do what to do...

I need help! I have been on Yasmin for the past 6 months. I never felt sick but my periods became more painful, had pains in my calf muscles, can't sleep or stay asleep, always tired, very moody, gained 20 pounds, got spider veins, etc.. It's terrible! I have about 9 pills left before the sugar pills start. I really want to stop taking it. Do I have to wait until the sugar week to get off? Or can I stop now, my moodyness is driving me crazy!

I've been on Lamictal for about a month now. Started extremely slowly at 12.5 mg, now I'm at 25 mg. I've had minor side effects (cramps in my calf muscles, esp., muscular and joint pain, but not strong). I did have crying spells in the first few days, don't know if they happened because of Lamictal, but it seems likely.

Looks like it's working so far. My mind feels lighter and the mood swings are becoming less severe than before. I've started to think about new work projects I'd left aside before due to depression.

I have been recently diagnosed with cyclothymia, rapid-cycling, with mostly depressive rather than hypomanic symptoms.

Severe leg pain. Feet feel as though I ran a marathon on rocks. They feel bruised. Can not sleep at night becuase my muscles in my legs just ache.

I am having tingling burning sensation in my feet, legs and hands and arms. My blood pressure was not improving on 5 mg so I upped it to 10 and those symptoms are much worse. The tingling sensation goes all the way up my left arm and up above my knees on my legs.

I have tried to take the Lisinipril before and stopped for these same reasons. My doctor does not seem to think that it is due to the Lisinipril. so I tried it again and the burning, burning sensation is driving me crazy and keeping me awake. I have to get up and stand in cold water for a while to get some relief.

I have not read about anyone with the same symptoms. Does anyone out there have these symptoms??

I took Levaquin for 10 days for a sinus infection. On the sixth day, my knees began to ache. Since I stand all day at my job, I thought it was job-related. By the 10th day I had terrible pain in my knees and pain in my calf muscles. After 3 days of agonizing pain in my knees and calves, and having to hold onto to furniture in order to walk, I called the dr. to relay my symptoms. The nurse said it was a side effect of Levaquin. . .sore tendons, aching joints. When I asked if there was anything I could do, they said it would just have to work itself out of my system. They would mark it in my file. I asked how long the side effects would last. . answer. . .4 to 5 days. It is now 14 days since I took the last pill, and the pain is just starting to subside. However, I'm still having difficulty getting up after sitting, and have weakness in my knees. I am 63, have a little arthritis, and now feel this medication should not be given to anyone that has slight joint problems. The pain has been 10 times worse than any arthritis pain that I have had. I have stepped up my anti-inflammatory medicine in the last 5 days. This may be why the pain is lessening, also. I agree that if I had been able to read the side effects warnings before paying for this prescription, I never would have taken it. I just hope these side effects are not permanent. You are always told to finish your medicications. . .however, in this case, I wish I had.

I started taking Lisinopril 2.5 weeks ago and I have been having severe muscle cramps in both calf muscles and started yesterday in both forearm muscles. Dr wants me to have an MRI to check for pinched nerve but after reading the side effects and seeing muscle cramps on the list, I think it would be a waste of time and money. They never look at the side effects before scheduling new tests. Be careful.

I took levaquin for bronchitis. I have been taking it for 7 days not. on the second or third day, I began to have pain in my knee joints, the my achilles tendons began to ache, and then my calf muscles tightened. I was walking like a 90 year old cripple. I now believe all of this was caused by levaquin, especially that my chiropractor could not find any mechanical reasons for all this to happen. I will see my doctor tomorrow to see if I can stop taking thiis medication immediately.

knees have swollen pockets and are excruciating as are ankles. Upper arm spasms do not alow me to push pull or raise my arms at all. Hands feel like there are spained and certsin fingers swell. Dr dismisses lovastatin as the cause and increased the dosage, increasing the problems. Sortness of breath and tight chest and jaw have now been added to my misery. Any one else experiencing thhis let me know. I have stopped taking Lovastatin for 2 weeks but symptoms dont seem to be lessing yet

NEGATIVE:
Lisinopril is my "only" medication, other than a random ibuprofin. at age 58, I began on 20 mg for elevated BP control...that was almost five years ago.

I went through some light headedness at first (mostly my imagination, I suppose) as, "anything" new psychologically messes with me. My BP "did" drop to acceptable quickly, and just a year ago required a jump up to 30 mg (as I either became system-tolerant of its effects, or, my current level of inactivity has impacted my BP).

REVIEW:
Although I had the normal "minor arthritis" and a few gout toe attacks beforehand; After 8 months or so of Lisinopril application, I began to "really" have chronic joint pains (thumb, elbow, knee, big toe). As an active type, this began to slow me down-so I returned to the doctor for a comprehensive set of X rays-which supposedly revealed Impact Osteo-arthritis at the afflicted joints,... at that point, I also mentioned two other observations;
One, I just feel sort of weak, like possibly tired and unrested muscle-wise, Two, My random gouty big toe attack appeared like it was trying to manifest ...but, never did (fully) on six or so occaisions.

After almost two years into my Lisinopril, I began having cramps (actually, severe soreness and tightening)in my foot bottom and calf muscles... I assumed it was from lifting, and standing a lot. My muscle fatigue seemed worsened, and, I noticed a "visual" loss in my muscle size and tone...I "was" now much weaker than last year in my lifting, tugging, and shouldering abilities.
This accompanied with the constant joint stiffness had begun to physically modify my daily abilities and routines.

After two years on the Lisinopril, Unexpectedly (and in a physically quiet week) I had an episode of right knee pain and excruciating (very severe) 24 hour-a-day ankle/calf/thigh muscle cramping that went unabated for three horrible days...exhausted from no sleep, the inability to relax at all, after trying ice, heat, hydr-therapy and popping so many Ibuprofins, it was off to the hospital.

Some knee cap injections of steroids-a calcinated meniscus diagnosis-and a dismissal of "why the muscle cramps ?" and I was healed, Sorta'

With my continuing decline in joint movement, and sore, weak muscles, my overall activity level dropped, my inabilities to now lift, or bend fluidly caused me to appear much older (physically) and hobbled than my years.

A year ago (just before the increase in dosage), I took some time off. And really self-reviewed my present physical condition with that of 4 years earlier. The "only" change was adding Lisinopril...and of course, normal aging.

My annual lab tests are still enviable.
My genetics and family history refute what is happening.
My sexual and physical prowess has diminished greatly.
My energy level and stamina is very poor.
My whole life-style has been modified (destroyed actually),
to accomodate this new dynamic of muscle/joint problems.
My musculature appearances have diminished from inactivity.
I feel, move, look and hurt "old".
My insistance that this problem is muscle/tendon rather than joint related ALWAYS goes to deaf ears.

Before these complaints could even be filed with my doctor (for my fourth-year annual physical), I began the left knee, then the "both" knee flare ups again; the Doctor visit (and 10 mg increase in dosage of Lisinopril) advised me I was just getting old.

In the 6 months or so since my last doctor visit, I have experienced a worsening of strength, and a now "constant" knee pain (every step). My sixty day abstinence from alcohol had zero impact on my overall, the one year salt ban has shown me nothing, and I just recently went back to square one and a full rethink of my dilemma.... I came away suspecting my Lisinopril.

I am going to seek another Doctor for a review and perhaps a change from Lisinopril.