Leg Cramps / Charlie Horses almost every night - any suggestions?

Question

I am waking up with a charlie horse in one or other of my legs almost every night. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to avoid them? Maybe I am standing too much?

Answer 1

I had nightly leg cramps with my first pregnancy. Like some of the others on here I also heard that it meant you are low on potassium and to eat bannanas. However, I have had 2 subsequent pregnancies and my diet was no different than the first. The only difference was that I was working on my feet during the first pregnancy. It's my own experience that this was the root of my leg cramps and possibly yours too, if you are on your feet a lot. I would try bannanas and water and if that doesn't seem to solve your problem than it's got to be due to the extended period on your feet and you can try to rest your legs more. Good luck -- I know how painful and irritating it can be to wake up every night from a nice comfortable sleep to excruciating pain!!

Answer 2

Charlie Horses At Night

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Leg Cramps / Charlie Horses almost every night - any suggestions?
I am waking up with a charlie horse in one or other of my legs almost every night. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to avoid them? Maybe I am standing too much?

Answer 4

When I was pregnant last year my dr told me that leg cramps during pregnancy could be do to blood circulation. He told me to keep my legs elevated as often as possible. Especially when sitting for long periods. This also helps prevent varicose veins (I followed his advice and didnt get any) I too have heard that potassium can help ward off these pains. During my pregnancy I also found that a long stroll in the evening would help alleviate aches and pains. Good luck to you before you know it these pains will pass and you will have a gorgeous healthy baby :)

Answer 5

I had them too. Here is what I did. Whenever it hits - stretch your toes toward the foot of the bed really hard! It is like a magic trick! With me it worked every time, within seconds the cramp would subside.
Good luck!

Answer 6

This happened to me! I was able to stop the crazy painful pain just before it got unbareable- everytime!- by flexing my foot just when I felt it coming on!
Even though it seems like the thing NOT to do- it really works! I got to where I could do it in my sleep and it did not cause me to shoot up into sitting position and grab my leg in agony
Good news is that it ends with childbirth.

Congratulations!

Answer 7

sound like your potassium level is down, drink plenty of water, eat lot of banana and drink some gatorade. Get a massage this will help to break up the built enzymes on your muscles. Apply a little heat to the area.

Answer 8

Buy some support (compression) hose. They are made to keep your legs from hurting, especially after a long day of standing. Your local scrub shop should have them for around $7.

Answer 9

Your body is low on potassium
Try eating a banana before bed every night
It worked great for me

Answer 10

I know this is going to sound weird but when you get them try and straighten out your leg and they seem to go away faster.......Also sleep with your feet elevated, I had to sleep on my couch with my feet up on the armrest..........drink lots of water, sometimes when you don't get enough water in your body when you are pregnant coul cause cramps