Question:
Help! Leg cramps!

The last few weeks I have frequently experienced cramps in my feet or ankle areas early in the morning before I wake up. I just recently had my labs done & everything was great except for slightly low protein. Any idea what causes this and/or how to get rid of these? I've heard of potassium deficieny causing cramps, but my potassium was good. I appreciate any possible help or ideas. thanks.    — Kathy W. (posted on August 6, 2002)


August 5, 2002
I've also heard low calcium causes leg cramps, but you said your labwork looked good.....
   — Lisa F.

August 5, 2002
I would try the potassium route even if your bloodwork looked good then. I had leg cramps and I drank some orange juice and a little "lite" salt and they went away. I would assume that if the levels can be fixed that fast they can get out of whack just as fast. Some orange juice or half a banana ought to help if that's the case. How about your water intake? Sometimes dehydration can cause your electrolytes to get out of whack.
   — ctyst

August 6, 2002
All three are correct! Lack of Potassium or Calcium or dehydration can cause cramping! Even if your labs look great, up those three anyway. V-8 is good potassium also. If you are drinking any caffeine at all (it is dehydrating, remember) you will have to balance it out with an equal amount of water, not counting it in your water intake. Chances are, with the heat wave just about everywhere, we could all stand to up our water intake.
   — Barbara B.

August 6, 2002
The important combination is potassium, magnesium, calcium and WATER. Dehydration can cause cramps and commonly does after WLS. Remember to take your vitamins and drink at least 64 oz. of water per day.
   — Terissa R.

August 6, 2002
Kathy, I also have leg cramps and my lab is great, I use a product called "Red Rub" it's a native American Product that contains several antispasmatics and I just rub it on my legs and it takes out the leg cramp and keeps them from bothering me. If ou e-mail me I will send you one of my samples that has the address where you can get it. It's made here in Oklahoma, my e-mail i s [email protected] Renee Anderson
   — Renee A.

August 6, 2002
You all are going think I have finally lost it but my grandmother swears by this trick for leg cramps. She is a very active 76 year young lady and was having some problems with leg cramps during the night. A friend told her to place a bar of soap, any soap,~ Dial, Zest, Dove, Lever, any kind~ between your fitted sheet and matress down by the foot of your bed. Since doing this, she has not had another leg cramp. Let me know if it works for you~ Candi
   — Candi B.

August 6, 2002
I just want to add something about the calcium (IF that is your problem). Your heart requires calcium to keep its electrical system functioning. The bones also require calcium to stay strong. The heart is by far the most important so if there is a certain amount of calcium in the body, the heart gets priority. If necessary, the calcium will be pulled from the bones to protect the heart. By this, the bloodwork can show up fine. Just thought I'd mention it. I have plantar fasciitis and have pain there when I first get up to walk. As long as I'm sitting or lying down, it doesn't hurt.
   — Tina B.

August 6, 2002
I suffer with occ. leg cramps at night and am pre-op. I tried diet quinnine water like my physician suggested..didn't work. I was given potassium pills only to take when needed..didn't work. I decided to take my calcium at night...end of problem. I'm crossing my fingers that this continues to work.
   — Joan B.

August 6, 2002
Hi there :) My mother always used to get leg cramps or "charlie horses" when she was pregnant with me. She swears by bananas. High in pottasium and good.
   — Kelly C.

August 6, 2002
HI, I know that a calcium defiency can cause the cramping in your feet and legs, how about trying some additional calcium, works for me.
   — crescentwitch




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