Help with leg cramps!!!!

[MommaB]

Hey everyone!

I was awakened last night by horrible cramps in my legs and feet! Cramps in places (like the side of my shin) that I didn't know I had enough muscle to cramp!!! It's awful and has happened on and off for a while now!

If it was one of my kids, I'd tell them to eat a banana, but I can't do that! I take a really good multi-vitamin each day! HELP!!!!

Thanks in advance! Can't go through another night like that!!! 

[Joagain]

Momma b I started taking potassium got it at Walmart on the back it  is 99grams better in 3 days  eat some more veggies. Might e gonigto low on those

[mouseissue]

Hi Momma!

Jo is right.
Most muscle cramps are caused by potassium deficiency.
Supplements are the surest way to get it.

Also, be sure to keep drinking lots of water.
Water flushes toxins out of the body that trigger cramps.

Tony

[Andrea]

Calcium and magnesium.  Low levels of either can also cause leg cramps.  The cramps are awful abd the next day you are so sore.  I hope you find the solution soon.

[umpa]

Dougs are always caused by lack of water

[MommaB]

I take 120mg. calcium each day, so it's not that! I have been drinking less than the usual 90+oz. of water lately, that's probably it, but I will get some potassium supplements at Wal-mart!!

Thanks everyone for the quick responses!! 

[Waterlilly]

Another vote for potassium and magnesium and calcium. The magnesium will keep you regular too. 

Also, LOTS of water.

[morgan]

How's your salt intake MommaB?  Try adding just a little bit and you might find your cramps may go away.

[Doug Varrieur]

Water, water and lots of water! Quinine tablets from your doctor or a teaspoon of baking soda taken with water when you "sense" a cramp coming on will stop it in its tracks. Sugar Free Tonic Water contains quinine and is nice over ice with a squeeze of lime, you may want to make it your drink of choice for a while. Are you taking water pills like many woman do?? If so STOP. Have you been taking any pain meds like Naproxen also known as Aleve?  This drug like Motrin (Ibuprofen) reduces swelling by removing water from the muscles acting as a diuretic. Are you taking a one a day multi vitamin?   If you are you should have all the potassium and calcium you need. Are you drinking lots of lemonade this summer...or ice tea? Both are diuretics.

[umpa]

Morgan 33 pounds??Thats great!

[MommaB]

Water, water and lots of water! Quinine tablets from your doctor or a teaspoon of baking soda taken with water when you "sense" a cramp coming on will stop it in its tracks. Sugar Free Tonic Water contains quinine and is nice over ice with a squeeze of lime, you may want to make it your drink of choice for a while. Are you taking water pills like many woman do?? If so STOP. Have you been taking any pain meds like Naproxen also known as Aleve?  This drug like Motrin (Ibuprofen) reduces swelling by removing water from the muscles acting as a diuretic. Are you taking a one a day multi vitamin?   If you are you should have all the potassium and calcium you need. Are you drinking lots of lemonade this summer...or ice tea? Both are diuretics.

I have been taking Aleve for pain since I fell 2 weeks ago, not sure I can NOT take it right now, but will try to reduce how much I take! I'm taking a generic one-a-day type vitamin! I do NOT take water pills, nor do I drink lemonade, I very occasionally drink iced tea. A couple cups of coffee in the morning...I have also been drinking a couple cups of decaf. in the evenings, but can probably stop doing that, if you think it will help! It's been quite a bit better since I started taking the potassium supplements and have gotten back to drinking 90+oz of water a day! But I still have one each night, more like between 4 & 5am!

Thanks for the suggestions, Doug! I hope we can figure it all out! 

[Doug Varrieur]

It's the Aleve MommaB, switch to good old buffered aspirin and the cramps will go away 

[MommaB]

ok Doug! I'll do that! Thanks!!