Severe leg cramps: How do you relax severe leg cramps?

So sorry to hear of your issues. Hope you find answers and solutions soon! God's speed!

@dawn_giacabazi, we are indeed on similar paths, but different in two important respects: Your hypertension is more challenging than mine for sure (with 3 meds, I average around 148/90 right now -- never over 160 systolic or above 106 diastolic), and I wish I could show you how to come down to my level. In my case, my likely secondary cause is known -- the Liddle Syndrome genetic mutation. My potassium deficiency was assumed for a long time to have been connected to a sodium problem, which turned out to be a dead end alley (Lasix almost sent me away for good). I also have been through Aldactone (spironolactone), Trandate (labetalol), calcium channel blockers (at least three like nifedipine), diuretics (at least four like chlorthalidone), alpha blocker (Hytrin), brain isolation drug (Clonidine), vasodilators (Minoxidil), ARBs (like Losartan) -- all part of earlier trials by primary physician, cardiologist, and two prior nephrologists (doing SOMETHING when we didn't know what to do). All seemed necessary, despite moderately high BP, because of apparent hypertrophy of the walls of my left ventricle.

Today, my three medications -- all focused on hypertension with hypokalemia -- are Amiloride (potassium-sparing diuretic), Lisinopril (working against contraction of blood vessels and heart degeneration), and Carvedilol (a relatively new beta blocker that is more friendly with the kidneys than the Atenolol I was taking). Aldactone worked well, but had to be dropped because it could have triggered cancer through a separate genetic mutation I inherited from my father.

None of my doctors mentioned pharmacogenomics (PGx). My two genetic tests were not connected to medications in any way. But it's time to bring PGx into the diagnosis process, and I'll be pressing for that with my ingenious nephrologist (whom I'm visiting next week for the first time in three years).

All of the foregoing may not be of much help or comfort for you, but I'd do anything to smooth the way toward therapies that could bring your challenges under control. Is there anything you think I could do in this regard?
Martin

@775031, I'm pleased to know of your interest in the details of my hypertension and resulting a-fib. Perhaps you identified with some of the unique experiences I have had and my nearly unique diagnosis. My main messages are: There is so much comfort we can have with more information, better information, and intensely caring medical therapists. Second, we have come together here on Mayo Connect to help each other discover how to find that comfort and to affirm our confidence that we can manage our symptoms and therapies to the best possible extent. If you have a troubling condition or questions of any kind, consider sharing them with us so we can provide some encouragement.
Martin

My rheumatologist at Mayo Scottsdale, who I see regularly for my Wegeners & peripheral neuropathy, prescribed 0.125mg of Pramipexole (very small white tablet) twice a day when needed for leg cramps and my restless leg syndrome (RLS). I have used it for over a month and it has relieved the gripping leg/toe/foot cramps at night. When I have an over active day, I know I can expect cramps at night. So I take 2, about an hour before I retire with no cramps/RLS. I don't take it for minor cramping which I seem to get anyway. My co-pay for the Rx is only $5/months supply which is cheaper than mustard, tonic water (yuk), & pickles (yum). I drink tons of water living in Arizona and I'm 65. I swim daily & take care of my own pool & have 2 grandsons 1 & 3 yrs old who live close. Keeps me going. I hope this offers another alternative to relieve your suffering.

@bobsconnect I will definitely give that a try. Totally hate tonic water & mustard but hate the cramps more! :-(. I too love to swim but those are my worse days. I love to play softball with my daughter but that has trigered the recent episodes. No activity seems to be my best days. 🙁

Dawn, its just a thought but may be worth a try. I learned from my physical therapist during my rehab from a broken hip in two places; your joints, muscles, etc. need the proper nutrients to operate he said. I was on Ensure each day among other things until EnsureAliv came onto the market. Once I used it, I have not needed anything else; since something that it has didn't get through in the amount needed. Try it, maybe you won't need medicine if you can find out why such components arent being absorbed.

irvkay312

@irvkay 312 Total makes sense it has all the extra vitamins and minerals. It certainly won't hurt anything. 😉

This is not Ensure total. It is EnsureAliv--there is a difference in its structure.

irvkay312

Good morning.
Update...
All serum levels are normal. Cramps are now leaving bruses. However NO CRAMPS LAST NIGHT!!? EnsureAli daily, thanks @irvkay312 and @quilterfingers on little extra magnesium. Physical therapist completely baffled as well as my docs. Blood pressures a roller coaster. Fainting spells. Awaiting hormone results from 24hr urine. If elevated will do cystiscole of the bladder. Seeing endocrinologist 7/20.

How frustrating. Hoping you find answers to this baffling issue. Thanks for keeping us updated.