leg cramps?

Question

please advise me i suffer from terrible leg cramps in my foot calfs and thighs not just at night but also through the day.
Today I have experienced cramp in my arm also.
What do you think this could be.
Any tips for relief.

Answer 1

It is generally caused by an imbalance in electrolytes: magnesium, calcium, potassium or sodium, for instance. Sweating, diuretics and extreme sports can cause an imbalance in electrolytes resulting in cramping in the leg muscles.
Cramps, in particular leg cramps in non-athletes is often associated with a magnesium deficiency in particular.
Foods rich in magnesium: leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds and pulses. But because you are having persistent cramps I would opt for a magnesium/calcium combination tablet and take one twice a day until the problem stops and then continue with one a day or 1/2 tablet a day for maintenance. The reason I have suggested a magnesium/calcium combination tablet is because these minerals are needed in proportion (2:1 calcium:magnesium) and calcium can also help with cramps. Calcium/magnesium citrate is more easily absorbed but you can try any formulation really - even the naturally occuring dolomite.

Quinine as a source of magnesium has been traditionally recommended for leg cramps but as a drug it has health risks so I would avoid quinine. In the US, the FDA now specifically discourages using quinine for leg cramps because they say the risks outweigh any benefit based on newly released data. Quinine can cause serious cardiac arrhythmias, a drop in platelet counts (problems with blood clotting), serious interactions with other medications, and allergic reactions. Though the risk is small:
http://www.greenfieldhealth.com/Portal/Health+Matters/Health+Matters+February+2007/default.aspx

To ensure you get enough potassium and sodium use a Low salt substitute that is a mix of both potassium and sodium. But if you are on heart medication, have diabetes or are on diuretics or have a medical condition requiring meds then talk to a doctor or pharmacist first. foods rich in potassium include: bananas, apples/apple juice, watermelon, apricots, cantaloupe melon, grapefruit/grapefruit juice and parsley.

Magnesium and leg cramps:
http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Health-problems/Muscle%20cramps%20-%20researchDiet&Lifestyle.htm

An example of a caclium/magnesium combination tablet and a customer review for leg cramps:
http://www.evitamins.com/product.asp?pid=72

Hope this helps.
Best wishes.

Answer 2

It's possible that you are dehydrated. Drink lots of water! I recommend purified water and mineral water mixed 50/50. The mineral water is going to put back into the muscles what they are losing on a daily basis.

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.

In the evening take a hot bath with 2c. of dissolved Epsom salts and soak for 30 minutes. Afterwards , 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.

if after trying this for a week you don't feel better consult your medical doctor.

Answer 3

You could be dehydrated or have insufficient pottasium in your blood. I went through a period of this and when I was in hospital for something else and kept getting these cramps they tested my blood and discovered that my pottassium was low. It might also be that you are having an irregular heartbeat.

I was nearly at death's door, but when they came to give me this stuff through a drip, the transformation was amazing.

Also try drinking tonic water - regular or light - which contains quinine well known for curing cramps. Hope this helps, but really your doctor should be your first port of call. Good luck.

Answer 4

I get them in my calves during the night because I sleep with my feet flat (i.e. in line with my leg instead of at right angles) and it pulls the muscle, it's just something I do with out any control over it. the only way to release them is to pull the muscle the opposite way (push my heel down as far as I can) Not idea about relief cos mine hurt like hell and if i've had a really bad one at night I often have twitches thorugh out the day. My Gran used to say that it was a lack of salt in the diet but it's not likely these days unless everything you eat is made fresh as there is so much salt in all food.

Answer 5

when it cramps lay down on the ground for some time and after some time when it stops do leg exercise or try to run or jogg or walk slowly

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 too suffer from leg cramps and I smypathise with you as they are very unpleasant. my doctor prescribed quinine sulphate tablets for me and they do the trick. Good luck.

Answer 8

I suffer from this also. I recommend that you see a Doctor to insure that there is not a medical problem. Other than that I use Ibuprofen when I first get symptoms. This or another muscle relaxant should help.

Answer 9

depending on your age it could be due to the menopause.

You should drink plenty of water, and if this doesnt help try drinking Indian Tonic Water as it contains quinine.

If this doesnt work, ask your doctor to prescribe you quinine tablets and take some blood tests.

Answer 10

Hi,
I started getting them now pregnant, but read eating a banana(potassium) a day helps and also milk helps with calcium.

I don't get them now.

Hope this helps.