Killer Muscle Cramps????

Has anyone else been having problems with muscle cramps in the calves, ankles, and feet? Over the past month I have been awakened by severe cramps that I have to get up and walk off. I thought maybe it was a potassium deficiency but I had my labs done and it was fine. I increase my calcium for awhile but it was harsh to digest. Any suggestions? Phyllis

Hi Phyllis. I have had problems in the past (before surgery) with leg/foot muscle cramps. Usually it cleared up when I increased my calcium. What kind of calcium are you taking? I take VIACTIV soft calcium chews. They come in individually wrapped squares, and they are quite yummy...not chalky like Tums. I like the mild chocolate ones the best. Each chew has 500 mgs of calcium, so I take 2-3 a day. They don't bother my stomach at all. If you haven't tried them, let me know what you think, and good luck with the muscle cramps. Peggy

I have had problems with legs/foot cramps in the past also....HUGE doses of vitamin e helped me.....I would start with a few pills spread throughout the day for about 2 weeks and cut back to 2 a day after that.....but before you start, please talk with your doctor....this treatment was given to me by my doctor. Also there is a condition called Raynards Syndrome....typically it happens in the hands, feet, etc....perhaps you are experiencing this condition. I suffered with it for a long time before anyone put a name to it. RAE

It could be a lot of other things besides a calcium deficiency. Cramping can also be due to potassium and/or Vitamin E deficiency. Potassium deficiency can usually be cleared up by eating a banana or an orange daily - Vit. E - can buy the gelcaps - easy to swallow. I would try it all. Ruth

Thank you for saying something! While I haven't had charlie horses or anything, when I walk, my calves are sometimes really tight and feel like they are just about to cramp up. I thought it was because I am more active than ever before. And I must admit that I haven't been getting in all the calcium I'm supposed to, because I hate those pills--they're so gritty, it's like chewing on sand. However, I just found orange flavored Crystal Light and it helps me knock out my liquids and my calcium in one shot! I love that stuff!! Good luck with what you try! Leg cramps are awful! Erin in Nashville

I have.. but not while sleeping..thank god ..I experience them when I am most busy and Boy ,do they hurt! I don't know why either but I do get'em.. Hopefully they get better with time.

Water................good ole' H2O helps me. I have cramps at night when I haven't done a good job getting in all my water. Good luck...JH

Thanks everyone for the responses. I have increased my water and tried to drink more of the orange crystal lite. I also added 1000units of Vitamin E and so far so good! You guys are great!