Question:
Charly Horse in Lower Legs Two Nights in a row!

Help! I'm six mos. post/op Open RNY, 94 lbs down, so far.(I'm about 15 lbs from goal). The last two nights I've been waking up in the middle of the night with a charlie horse in my calf... two nights ago the left calf, last night the right calf... I haven't had this happen since I was pregnant, and that was years ago. Is this a vitamin or mineral deficiency? What can I do or take to prevent this from happening again? My labs came back normal last month... I take a chewable multi vitamin daily, and get B-12 shots... the last one being last week. These charlie horse episodes are so severe that I hurt all day the day following an episode. I have not changed anything in my normal routine or exercise to possibly bring these on...    — Karen D. (posted on June 14, 2003)


June 14, 2003
From what I understand this could be from a potassium deficiency. Try eating a bananna. Congrats on your weight loss!
   — Jaimie L.

June 14, 2003
Charly Horses according to my dietician are also a sign of not getting enough water into your body. I used to get them frequently pre-op and I know for a fact that I hardly every got the recommended 6-8 8oz glasses of water a day. I have not had one since I started preparing for my surgery and am now post op, this has been for the last 6 months.
   — ChristineB

June 14, 2003
I have problems periodically with charlie horses, and I am pre-op. My labs also came back normal, ruling out potassium deficiencies. My doctor prescribed a muscle relaxer, and that does the trick. What I did notice was the charlie horses started as a result of a new hypertension medication that included a diuretic, to make me expel fluid. I was having charlie horses everywhere, simultaneously. I now notice I have them when I expel large amounts of fluids, not replenshing them. Try some gatorade.
   — Pamela C.

June 14, 2003
I have problems periodically with charlie horses, and I am pre-op. My labs also came back normal, ruling out potassium deficiencies. My doctor prescribed a muscle relaxer, and that does the trick. What I did notice was the charlie horses started as a result of a new hypertension medication that included a diuretic, to make me expel fluid. I was having charlie horses everywhere, simultaneously. I now notice I have them when I expel large amounts of fluids, not replenshing them. Try some gatorade.
   — Pamela C.

June 14, 2003
Hi there...I don't know anything about what causes charly horses, but I do know how to make them go away FAST. When this happens, flex your foot toward you as far as you can, just like you are trying to push something with your heel...extend your heel. This will pull the knot right out of your calf in an instant.
   — Jen D.

June 14, 2003
Ask your Dr about taking quinine sulfate. Also there is an over the counter medication called .. LegCramps. You probably will have to ask for it at the pharmacy. I know for a fact that you can get it at CVS Pharmacy. They order it from an outside vender. If they do not have it in stock all you have to do is ask them to order it for you.
   — Sarah H.

June 14, 2003
I have also been told that severe muscle cramps can be a sign of mild dehydration. Push the water if you can, and ask your doctor.
   — Patti S.

June 14, 2003
I had this problem for years pre-op and was taking a presciption quinine sulfate. It possibly could be due to low potassium levels. Bananas are very high in potassium however they are also high in sugar. Prior to being put on quinine my doc suggested I drink seltzer water. He said it should have the same effect as the quinine. I was unable to tolerate the seltzer. Hope this helps...
   — adeas

June 14, 2003
I just wanted to add that I find it funny that people always say that bananas are so high in potassium, when in actuality they are not that high. They are listed as only moderately high - whereas the following foods are listed as HIGh in potassium: cantaloupe, apricots, honeydew, peaches, grapefruit, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, summer and winter squashes, tomatoes, radishes, lentils, soybeans, avocados, and dill pickles. there are many many more that are higher than bananas with less sugar contents. Do a google search for potassium rich foods.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 15, 2003
Hi ~ I'm the original poster for this question... I want to thank you all so much for your suggestions and help... this is the only place I know where I can get good solid help with questions about anything! Bless you all, and thanks again. Last night I had cantalope and a banana, and no charlie horse! :o)
   — Karen D.

June 15, 2003
I didn't see where you said you were taking calcium...leg cramps can be a sign of calcium deficiency. This happened to me on one of those diets I tried 'back then' lol. Also, after you tried the other stuff, if you take a towel and hold it in your hands, with your foot braced in it and push (like pushing on the gas) a few times before bed it will help with the cramps (I am a nurse in a nursing home and this is what we do for the residents).
   — Kimberley E.




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