Vitamin D Deficiency & Arm Cramps

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem among kids and adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a report released in 2011 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a quarter of Americans were at risk of having low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency affects people of all ages and races. Among those who have insufficient blood levels of the vitamin, many complain of muscle and bone pain.

Vitamin D Deficiency

In 2003, the journal "Psychosomatics" published a study that found that 37 percent of doctor visits are for unexplained pain in the arm, leg, back and throughout the body. According to Dr. Greg Plotnikoff, a University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing professor, a vitamin D deficiency could be partially to blame. In a separate 2003 study, Plotnikoff found that 93 percent of patients with non-specific body pain were deficient in vitamin D and should be screened for low vitamin levels.

Chronically Ill

In chronically ill patients, low levels of vitamin D is expected due to a decreased ability for skin to absorb vitamin D, medications that block absorption and medical problems that interfere with vitamin D activities. In 2005, the journal "American Family Physician," found that giving hospital patients supplemental vitamin D could address and treat chronic pain complaints. Vague musculoskeletal pain can be caused by any number of conditions. In people with a vitamin D deficiency, overlooking this problem could lead to osteomalacia, bone fractures and continued weakness. Osteomalacia is characterized by soft bones and can cause cramping in the hips, arms and legs.

Cholesterol

Researchers have found that patients with high cholesterol along with bone or muscle pain might also have low blood levels of vitamin D. Some patients on statins --- medications used for the treatment of high cholesterol --- stop taking the drug because of muscle pain. According to Harvard Health Publications, out of 128 patients with muscle pain linked to statin use more than 60 percent had insufficient vitamin D levels. Of those who took vitamin D supplements, 90 percent reported that their pain disappeared. The Arthritis Foundation reports that the most common locations for musculoskeletal pain associated with statin use are mostly in the lower extremities, but also in the upper body, including the arms, shoulders, wrists and hands.

Supplements

Taking vitamin D supplements could help reduce a patient's dependence on narcotics for the treatment of chronic pain, according to the American Academy of Pain Medicine. In a 2010 study, lead study author Dr. Asif Ansari found that vitamin D deficiency was common in a population of 50 pain patients. Treating vitamin D deficiency could help improve pain control, according to Ansari. More studies, however, are needed to confirm this finding. A 2009 article by MayoClinic.com indicates that patients with low vitamin D levels who were taking narcotics for pain management need twice as much medicine as those whose vitamin D levels were adequate.

Vitamin D Deficiency & Arm Cramps