Leg cramps!?

Question

I get severe cramp, in my legs, every morning before I get up. They usually make me Get up because I cannot relieve them lying down. I used to take Quinine tablets all the time until my Daughter, who is a dispenser in a chemist, told me it was dangerous to take them long term. Anyone have any natural methods of dealing with this?

Answer 1

Dehydration can cause severe pain in the muscles. I recommend you drink purified water mixed with mineral water 50/50. This will replace the minerals that are exiting your body continuously.

I suggest that adults and children drink 40 ounces of water per 100 pounds of body weight every day. Realize that exercise, ambient temperature, and state of health affect the water needs of your body.

For now, if you have something shaped like a cylinder and made out of hard material (think of a large rolling pin you would use for pizza dough or something) place it under your leg and push down and roll it back and forth...this should massage the spasms out of your leg. It will hurt while you're doing it, but more so the type of pain that actually feels good, in the long run.

Answer 2

The leg cramp problem runs in my family, as well. My Dad had terrible side effects with quinine, so I've avoided it, but I second the ptassium suggestion. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to bananas, a great source of potassium, so I take a potassium supplement. This is a source of about 99mg potassium. I take it daily. When I was pregnant (which greatly increases leg cramps), I took 2/day. Sometimes when they return, I increase my daily amount to 2/day. Honestly, it's the only reasonably natural thing I've found that works.

Answer 3

Firstly there are usually NO long term issues of consequence from long term use of quinine sulphate, overdose is however potentially very dangerous. I am afraid the old adage ' a little knowledge is a dangerous thing ' is a good one!

If you have not already seen your GP to exclude any underlying conditions you should do so. If he finds nothing he is likely to continue to recommend quinine assuming it is working for you.

Answer 4

I've suffered from this for as long as I can remember. My doctor says it could be low calcium levels and to drink more milk, it worked for a while but has come back again. I can recomend the cork in the bed idea, it does work and there is a proven reason for it. Pop a cork, it must be a real one not a synthetic one, under the sheet near where your legs are. My dog got hold of mine last week and chewed it up, it's surprising how much mess a small cork can make, now I'll just have to get a bottle of wine to get a new one. Oh dear!
Hope it works for you

Answer 5

i suffer from cramp, I was told i was due to not drinking enough water, I have heard of Crampeze but i'm not sure of the side effects. I just wear socks at night, cos the cramp mainly comes on if i get cold feet.

Answer 6

I have always find it extremely helpful to stretch my body, with emphasis on my leg muscles. I do this before I get up and prior to any strenuous physical activity. I also massage my legs and feet regularly. I really hope that you feel better.

Answer 7

i had quinine too god i read the side effect list and stopped them immediately
strange as it sounds a cork in the bed actually works though

Answer 8

have you consulted your doctor about what might be the cause, when i start getting legs cramps in the night that wake me up, it is usually that i have a low potassium problem...I buy and eat bananas and they usually quit.....good luck

Answer 9

try Chinese balm or tiger balm,maybe deep heat spray,my husband gets them so i bend his leg tight 2wards his bottom a coupe of times and that tends to help alot.

Answer 10

My GP suggested magnesium supplement if my diet didnt produce enough.