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Nocturnal Leg Cramps - Help!

Posted by ashby1947 @ashby1947, Oct 20, 2019

Does anyone have a suggestion to help deal with foot/ankle/leg cramps in the middle of the night? I take plenty of calcium and magnesium and am thinking that I need to increase my potassium intake. Topical lotions (Theraworx, Tiger Balm, etc.) have not helped. I hope this is a good day for whoever is reading this! Sue

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degarden_girl | @degarden_girl | Feb 27 11:50am

Different things work for different people. For me, when I get a calf cramp, I get out of bed, stand on the ball of the foot of the affected leg until the spasm releases. I have found that is pretty effective. I do much the same for the ankle spasms. What that doesn't work on is spasms running up the shin bone -- and they are awful. I massage the leg down each side of the shin bone to release that spasm. And here is another possible resolution for the shin bone spasm and maybe calf spasm: Sit on the side of the bed, pick up the leg in the thigh area and then shake the leg. I know that sounds weird but my yoga instructor gave me that hint.

Statins can cause muscle spasms. I found I couldn't tolerate statins and went on an injectable anti cholesterol med. Maybe it would be a good idea to mention your muscle spasm problem to your doc. If statins are the cause, changing to a different statin might be your answer.

And now when I get a spasm, I can invariably trace it to being underhydrated. Drinking a big glass of water in the afternoon is a huge help for me.

I wish you a good night's sleep.

Donna

REPLY
1 reply
flmargie | @flmargie | Feb 28 8:54am

I found Magnesium glycinate is REALLY helpful. Also need to be sure to stay hydrated during the day. If I have a busy day and do not drink a lot, my legs cramp up that night.

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svetter | @svetter | Feb 28 9:05am

Hi Sue
I don't have leg cramps very often but in my case I have found drinking water is critical. I do a lot of gardening and sometimes I feel strenuous exercise
brings on nocturnal cramping.
I have had great luck with taking a spoonful or two of pickle juice (not sweet!)
and even with mustard if I am traveling since little packs are easily kept in with cosmetics permanently.
Just my experience. Sue too

REPLY
7797 | @7797 | Feb 29 6:04am
In reply to @degarden_girl "Different things work for different people. For me, when I get a calf cramp, I get..." + (show)
@degarden_girl

Different things work for different people. For me, when I get a calf cramp, I get out of bed, stand on the ball of the foot of the affected leg until the spasm releases. I have found that is pretty effective. I do much the same for the ankle spasms. What that doesn't work on is spasms running up the shin bone -- and they are awful. I massage the leg down each side of the shin bone to release that spasm. And here is another possible resolution for the shin bone spasm and maybe calf spasm: Sit on the side of the bed, pick up the leg in the thigh area and then shake the leg. I know that sounds weird but my yoga instructor gave me that hint.

Statins can cause muscle spasms. I found I couldn't tolerate statins and went on an injectable anti cholesterol med. Maybe it would be a good idea to mention your muscle spasm problem to your doc. If statins are the cause, changing to a different statin might be your answer.

And now when I get a spasm, I can invariably trace it to being underhydrated. Drinking a big glass of water in the afternoon is a huge help for me.

I wish you a good night's sleep.

Donna

Jump to this post

What injectable cholesterol med did you go on?

REPLY
1 reply
degarden_girl | @degarden_girl | Feb 29 7:18am
In reply to @7797 "What injectable cholesterol med did you go on?" + (show)
@7797

What injectable cholesterol med did you go on?

Jump to this post

I've been on Praluent for about 5 years but now my insurance won't cover it so I will be switching to a different injectable, Repatha. I hope it works as well as Praluent.

REPLY
1 reply
7797 | @7797 | Feb 29 8:46am
In reply to @degarden_girl "I've been on Praluent for about 5 years but now my insurance won't cover it so..." + (show)
@degarden_girl

I've been on Praluent for about 5 years but now my insurance won't cover it so I will be switching to a different injectable, Repatha. I hope it works as well as Praluent.

Jump to this post

Thanks

REPLY
mlwh | @mlwh | Mar 1 1:27pm

I have found that any leg cramps (calf muscle - gastrocenemius) I experience are from having my feet unnaturally pointed by tight sheets or a throw at the end of my bed. I got rid of the heavy throw, and stopped tucking in my sheets. I make sure that my feet are not contorted by my covers and even kick up a nice space for my toes to relax in. Presto! No more leg cramps. It never hurts to try easy things first.

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