Help! What are some good cures for severe leg cramps?

Question

My son is marching in Drum Corp. and called me tonight complaining of having horrible leg cramps when he tries to lie down to sleep at night. Someone on the staff of the band told him that he needs more salt. Is there anything else he can do? Thanks!

Answer 1

Salt? Muscle cramps are usually caused by lack of hydration. Your son needs to drink more water!!! Have him drink a big glass tonight, and one before he leaves in the morning. Maybe keep a 20 oz. with him at practice.

I was in drum corps for six years.

Answer 2

Lots of water, potassium (like bananas), a multi vitamin once a day, cut out sugary sweets and I wouldn't take the advice about eating more salt, in my experience, salt can cause cramps, so I doubt it will do much to get rid of them. Some serious stretching before and after any exercise (including marching) is also important-make sure he stretches and then drinks a good amount of water before going to bed. Marching is a pretty intensive workout for the legs, so he will probably be sore for the first few days even if he does all of the above. A painkiller like Aleve or Tylenol and soak in a hot bath might help also. If it continues for more than a few days, you might want to talk to your family physician, he could have a more serious condition or something less serious but equally painful like restless leg syndrome-its fairly common, and there is treatment for it. Hope he feels better soon! Good luck!

Answer 3

What are nocturnal leg cramps?
These cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of the calf muscles that occur during the night or while at rest. Occasionally, muscles in the soles of the feet also become cramped. The sensation can last a few seconds or up to 10 minutes, but the soreness may linger. The cramps can affect persons in any age-group, but they tend to occur in middle-aged and older populations.

In adolescents and teens, these are often known as "growing pains" and people often recommend potassium (bananas) to help aleive this, although that is a more long term solution.

What are the causes?
No one knows for sure what causes nocturnal leg cramps. In many cases, there doesn't seem to be any specific trigger. However, sometimes the cramps are caused by overexertion of the muscles, structural disorders (eg, flat feet), standing on concrete, prolonged sitting, inappropriate leg positions while sedentary, or dehydration. Less common causes include diabetes, Parkinson's disease, hypoglycemia, anemia, thyroid and endocrine disorders, and use of some medications.

What can I do to prevent these cramps?

To stave off future episodes of nocturnal leg cramps, consider the following tips:

Drink six to eight glasses of water daily. Doing so will help prevent dehydration, which may play a role in the cramping.
Stretch calves regularly throughout the day and at night. (See box below for more information.)
Ride a stationary bicycle for a few minutes before bedtime. This activity can help prevent cramps from developing during the night, especially if you do not get a lot of exercise during the day.
Keep blankets loose at the foot of the bed to prevent your toes and feet from pointing downward while you sleep.
Do aquatic exercises regularly during the week to help stretch and condition your muscles.
Wear proper foot gear.
How can I make them go away?

When cramping occurs, try these steps:

Walk on or jiggle the affected leg and then elevate it.
Straighten the leg and flex your foot toward your knee. Grab your toes and pull them upward toward your knee. You should feel your calf muscles stretching.
Take a hot shower or warm bath, or apply an ice massage to the cramped muscle.
Persistent or severe leg cramps often are treated with medication.

He was probably suggested to eat more salt because salt is a part of the hydration process in our bodies and they were assuming tat his cramps were due to dehydration from being outside all day practicing. Water and salt are part of the equation. Other contributors include potassium and a host of other minerals that balance your electrolytes.

Answer 4

There were some great answers before mine, and I'd like to say that the banana (potassium) thing is perfect, along with lots of water. Gatorade or powerade or the like is also good. Stretching the day of the event, before and after is also great.

One thing that I found helps, especially if he is trying to get some sleep, is a nice hot bath. It allows the muscles to relax a bit and then he should be better.

Hope that this helps.

Buddhadan

Answer 5

EAT Bananas for the potassium. But be careful, may be a sign of circulation problems.
I get cramps in my legs, during the night, The muscle stays very sore most the next day. (a few Bananas and they stop.)

Answer 6

He could be lacking in potassium and /or water. Muscles need hydration to stay toned. I got severe thigh cramps one time climbing Mt. Rainier because I wasn't drinking enough water. Bananas have potassium which will avoid leg cramps also. But water is an absolute necessity. Muscles need potassium.

Answer 7

Not salt, potassium! Have him eat more bananas. This can also be cause if he doesn't get enough 'deep' sleep. His brain may be getting rest, but if he's tossing and turning, his muscles don't stop long enough to regenerate. If this is a part of the problem, a doctor will prescribe a sleep aid that's non-narcotic to help him get a deeper sleep, allowing his muscles to get the rest they need.

Answer 8

Bananas

Answer 9

Bananas

Answer 10

More likely less salt. This is caused by either potasium deficience or calcium deficiency usually. Eating bananas can help.

When my roommate has them, I do "lymph massage" on his calves. He can run his hand lightly up his calf from ankle to knee, putting light pressure on it. It seems remarkably helpful; I've done it to myself when I had them too.

I hope this helps.