Leg Cramps

[ndn_butterfly]

Has anyone ever woken up in the middle of the night or early morning because you felt this excruciating pain in your calve(s)?
This happens to me every so often, say like once or twice a year. Sometimes even days after it happened, I still feel a bit of pain. I walk a lot..but what do you think can be causing this?:(

[ogapahndn]

I used to have this problem back when I played alot of sports. It's usually caused by a buildup of lactic acid. I suggest stretching before you go to bed. It is definitely a shock to wake up to. When it does happen do a calf stretch in bed, that will relieve the pain. Just sit with that leg straight out in front of you, and reach and grab your toe. It could also be caused by a lack of potassium. Eating a banana often will cut down on the cramps. Hope this helps!

[alamosaurus]

I have this fairly often myself. I was told it is caused by a lack of
potassium, and to eat more bananas, potatos, etc.

[WolfTears]

yep or go to wally world an buy a bottle of the Leg Cramp over the counter stuff its called (Leg Craps) it really works.

[ndn_butterfly]

:lol2: leg craps...haha
well thanx everyone for your advice that was really helpful..
but the funny thing is about the potassium thing..and what not..I eat bananas whenever I can and I LOVE potatoes...

Well maybe i'm just not getting enough of that eh?;)

[One who seeks]

Cramps

My hubby has those horrible cramps. He has them when he has worked hard and perspired a lot. He eats food with potasium, and drinks lots of juice, but still has those cramps. We've learned it's best for him to take a potasium pill before going to bed.

Talk to your doctor. There is a blood test for potasium level. Too much potasium can be harmful.

OWS

[Singing Eagle]

Originally posted by MenNie Turtles
yep or go to wally world an buy a bottle of the Leg Cramp over the counter stuff its called (Leg Craps) it really works.

Leg craps?

[ndn_butterfly]

Re: Cramps

Originally posted by One who seeks
My hubby has those horrible cramps. He has them when he has worked hard and perspired a lot. He eats food with potasium, and drinks lots of juice, but still has those cramps. We've learned it's best for him to take a potasium pill before going to bed.

Talk to your doctor. There is a blood test for potasium level. Too much potasium can be harmful.

OWS

Wow thanx Seeks, I'll be sure to check it out

[Gah-Gah!]

OWCHEEE!!!

Those night leg cramps are real doozeys. I got those plenty when I was pregnant and I can't remember what my doctor said but I think she told me to drink a 8 oz or 12 ozs.glass of milk.

I can't remember if that worked!!:Thinking

I just remember the pain!!! :Cry

[ndn_butterfly]

Originally posted by WantsNewName
OWCHEEE!!!

Those night leg cramps are real doozeys. I got those plenty when I was pregnant and I can't remember what my doctor said but I think she told me to drink a 8 oz or 12 ozs.glass of milk.

I can't remember if that worked!!:Thinking

I just remember the pain!!! :Cry

Ouch, I feel ya pain too girl. My friends told me that his dad would tell him the same thing (about drinkin the milk)..I should start drinkin more milk

[Grits & Beans]

do some leg stretches.

[Ojidanowe]

Calcium and Magnesium Deficiency is a common cause of nighttime leg and feet cramping.
That would be why the suggestion of drinking more milk or eating more milk products. You can also get a Calcium/Magnesium supplement at the drug or healthfood store. Since i have been taking the supplement I have no more cramps at night and i used to have them almost every night.

[Dezgn8veDriver]

Yyyouch! :( leg cramps are no fun...potassium and lots of water on a daily basis will help eliminate the cramps.

If he gets the cramps, stretch the leg TOWARD himself, hold the stretch and gently massage.

If he's standing up, and the cramp comes on, step on something very cold....:p it really works!

[DeusExMachina]

Eat a banana and drink some milk. Do you play sports or do anything right before you go to bed? Even if it's just going up stairs all day, you can wake up to some terrible cramps. i used to get them when i worked at SOK because I was on my feet and climbing up/down ladders and stairs all day. Also, If you did some heavy duty stuff like that during the day and then sleep with your legs outside the covers, the cool air could cause your muscles to cramp.

[ndn_butterfly]

Thank you everyone for your responses!:D
Yes I do play sports, just not before I go to bed..well I did play volleyball (and its vball season again *yay*)
Maybe its cuz of the boots I wear..walkin on concrete all day..lol
Oh well, but thanks for all of your advice!:)