Maintaining your potassium blood levels is essential for a variety of reasons, including the functioning of all of the cells in your body. If you become deficient in this important mineral, you may experience a variety of adverse symptoms, including leg pain and even a breakdown of muscle fibers. However, leg pain can also be the result of factors other than your potassium intake, and your doctor can help you determine the cause.
Symptoms and Causes of a Potassium Deficiency
A potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, most often occurs when you lose too much potassium from your urine or intestines, rather than by consuming a diet that is poor in this mineral. This deficiency can occur for a myriad of reasons, including the consumption of diuretics or laxatives, diarrhea, vomiting, eating disorders or kidney failure. Common symptoms of a potassium deficiency are weakness, fatigue, an abnormal heart rate, constipation and muscle cramps throughout your body, including in your legs.
Rhabdomyolysis
When you have a severe potassium deficiency, your muscle fibers may begin to break down. This condition is known as rhabdomyolysis, and one of its common symptoms is pain. When rhabdomyolysis occurs, your body releases the contents of your muscle fibers, or myoglobin, into your bloodstream, which can harm your kidneys and even result in kidney damage. Common symptoms of this condition include an abnormal urine color, as well as muscle stiffness, aching, tenderness and weakness. You may also experience joint pain, fatigue or seizures.
Additional Causes of Leg Pain
Many factors besides potassium deficiency can cause leg pain; the most common are injury, overuse, trauma, tension and stress. Muscle pain can also be the result of an infection, certain drugs, lupus or fibromyalgia. If you have injured your leg, rest it for one to three days, and apply ice to reduce the pain and inflammation. You can also ask your doctor about consuming pain relievers. If your pain persists, or if you suspect that it may be the result of an underlying condition or a deficiency of potassium, seek medical attention.
Considerations
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the RDA of potassium is 2,000 mg; failing to get this amount can result in deficiency. Salmon, cantaloupe, potatoes and bananas are all good sources of this mineral. Your body needs additional minerals, like sodium and magnesium, to utilize potassium, and your diet must meet the RDA of these, as well. If you need help designing a balanced diet or are worried about your mineral intake, make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss these concerns.
