How can I avoind getting a leg cramp while I am asleep?
I've gotten them in the past, i think 2 or 3 times. And they hurt like you cant imagine! I've been drinking lots of water, and drinking a powerade(for potasium) before going to bed. I haven't gotten one yet but i can feel feel it in my calves a slight tension if you will which feels like it could cramp at any moment.
2007-05-11 18:14:01 · 8 answers · asked by finding.4ever 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
sodium
2007-05-11 18:21:14 · answer #1 · answered by undercovernudist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always gotten cramps in my legs and even feet/toes. Toes are probably about the worst. Different doctors have suggested increasing potassium (eating bananas) and magnesium. Drinking more water seems to be what has helped the most. If I'm awake I will like will the circulation to keep flowing, kind of mind over matter, sometimes seems to work not always.
Easiest ways to get rid of that I know of are rubbing, pressing on pressure points (don't let loose too fast or they'll be right back) and heat packs. If you feel them coming warm towels wrapped around even will help relax the muscle.
2007-05-12 01:30:49 · answer #2 · answered by mystique 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might try soaking in very warm water 20 minutes or so before going to bed. Potatoes and bananas are some of the best sources for potassium and your body absorbs that much better than the drinks. Sometimes drinking alot of water can also flush the potassium out of your system. If you exercise alot, you definitely need to be eating foods rich in potassium.
I have had them at times and they are horrible so I feel for you. Mine is usually in the upper leg but I have had them in my feet. I walk when it hits the feet, once I get the foot straightened out and I sit up and stretch the ham string when it hits the leg. Sometimes I use heat wraps on the lower leg or feet when they are bothering me when I go to bed and usually, I don't have problems and am not awakened by severe pain. I have PPS so that adds to my problems so I try to stay prepared with the heat wraps or lotion to massage my legs or feet when they get really bad.
Good luck
2007-05-12 01:29:17 · answer #3 · answered by KittyKat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Eat bananas for potassium. I'd stay away from artificial drinks that usually contain too much sugar and/or sodium. Also make sure you get enough calcium. When you feel the sensation that a charley horse is about to happen, get up and move around. I found that pointing and un-pointing my toes in bed will get the imminent sensation to go away.
2007-05-12 01:20:19 · answer #4 · answered by ban26ana 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cramping is caused by low ions in your system, primarily calcium, sodium and potassium. It may also be triggered by cole temperature. In pregnant women, obstetricians prescribe calcium supplements to prevent cramping. If cramping happens, just use your hand to flex the cramping leg (this is what divers do when they get cramps underwater, we hold the tip of our fins and flex our foot). Hope this helps!
2007-05-12 01:54:03 · answer #5 · answered by POSH 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do some stretching exercises before bed to loosen up the muscles.
2007-05-12 01:23:32 · answer #6 · answered by CLM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vitamin K
2007-05-12 01:51:42 · answer #7 · answered by T G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe lack of calcium, but sugguest you visit WebMD.
2007-05-12 01:52:32 · answer #8 · answered by oldcorps1947 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋