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What could be the reason for my constant muscle twitching in both calves?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had twitches in both calves for about nine weeks now. These twitches constantly happen when at rest without any pain, and the twitches are visible in both calves. Sometimes I experience cramps in my feet also. I consulted a doctor and did MRI, nerve conduction study, and an EMG. Everything came back normal. And also did multiple blood tests, including vitamin levels. All were fine except ANA. The test for ANA was repeated with a DFS test, and the ANA came back at 1:160, and DFS was negative.

I have been through many tests with little in terms of a diagnosis and now need to wait until next year to see a rheumatologist.

Kindly give your opinion.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Mohamad Ali Rida

Education:

Clinical Fellowship (Adult Rheumatology)

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mohamad Ali Rida is a highly skilled Rheumatologist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in the diagnosis and management of Systemic Lupus and Psoriatic Arthritis. Dr. Rida is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care, focusing on improving quality of life and long-term outcomes for patients with complex autoimmune and rheumatic conditions through evidence-based and compassionate treatment approaches.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

ANA (antinuclear antibody) is a very delicate test and depends on the substrate used for testing. Some laboratories use primate substrate, and this yields a false-positive result. DFS 70 (dense fine speckled antibody) confirms that ANA might be related to an actual rheumatological disease. If positive, it is more likely to be benign. But a normal EMG (electromyography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) eliminates the diagnosis of myositis and lupus.

Take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for the reply.

So in your opinion, what is the next step for the constant twitching in my calves?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Mohamad Ali Rida

Education:

Clinical Fellowship (Adult Rheumatology)

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mohamad Ali Rida is a highly skilled Rheumatologist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in the diagnosis and management of Systemic Lupus and Psoriatic Arthritis. Dr. Rida is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care, focusing on improving quality of life and long-term outcomes for patients with complex autoimmune and rheumatic conditions through evidence-based and compassionate treatment approaches.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your muscle twitchings are recurrent muscle cramps or spasm that is benign and not problematic at all. My advice is to start Cyclobenzaprine 5 mg at night and Magnesium supplements daily. I see no obvious rheumatological or any serious underlying cause.

Take care.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At November 15, 2021
Reviewed At August 11, 2025

Education:

Clinical Fellowship (Adult Rheumatology)

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mohamad Ali Rida is a highly skilled Rheumatologist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in the diagnosis and management of Systemic Lupus and Psoriatic Arthritis. Dr. Rida is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care, focusing on improving quality of life and long-term outcomes for patients with complex autoimmune and rheumatic conditions through evidence-based and compassionate treatment approaches.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

Clinical Fellowship (Adult Rheumatology)

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mohamad Ali Rida is a highly skilled Rheumatologist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in the diagnosis and management of Systemic Lupus and Psoriatic Arthritis. Dr. Rida is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care, focusing on improving quality of life and long-term outcomes for patients with complex autoimmune and rheumatic conditions through evidence-based and compassionate treatment approaches.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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