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How to eliminate nocturnal leg cramps

Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (34)
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@julese

I have night time leg cramps too and they’re not from electrolytes but from my spine. I have mild bulging discs from T12-L5 and osteophyte formation at my nerve routes leading from my spine. Even though I stretch before bed, exercise 2x daily, walk 2 miles daily I cannot beat the leg cramps. I can feel the spasms begin in my back down to my legs before I need to jump out of bed. It absolutely sucks! I know with osteoarthritis, which I have I’m fighting a loosing battle but I continue. If I don’t stay active I hurt and when I’m active I eventually hurt too. It’s a up and down game. I’ve tried acupuncture, massage, TENS, etc. with no success. In my opinion there is no cure only temporary relief.

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Replies to "I have night time leg cramps too and they’re not from electrolytes but from my spine...."
lorry | @lorry | 3 days ago

Hi Julese,
We have spoken before. I’m sorry to hear you have Axonal neuropathy.
Sadly that is also a contributing factor to my leg cramps.
The MVA I spoke of in my initial post (that provided the ankle injury that led to ankle surgery) also included a multi fractured pelvis and spinal injuries (including a bulging disk at L5).
I also juggle the pain following exercise vs the other symptoms without exercise.
I was doing OK until I got peripheral neuropathy through B6 toxicity (the B6 was in a magnesium supplement that was helping the leg cramps).
When I had to stop that (the B6/magnesium) the cramps came back with a vengeance (hence my post here).
Axonal neuropathy comes from the spine outwards whereas with peripheral neuropathy the damage is at the nerve endings.
I have both but my peripheral nerves may recover once I rid my body of the B6. The spine I can’t fix but I agree balancing exercise and protection is necessary and difficult.
I do ballet in the deep end of a warm swimming pool. Swimming is too vigorous.
I am currently taking low dose magnesium, drinking lots of water, not eating sugar in the afternoon, getting my calves massaged before bed and trying the karate chops across my feet (recommended by @sbtheplumber1 ).
I was putting Voltaren on my injured ankle - you might find putting that on your lower back helpful before bed?
I am just weaning off that as it does have side effects but so does lack of sleep and the anxiety of anticipation of the cramps coming!
Again - balance.
How much to do and what things to ingest?
Knowing both can help and both can make things worse.
I’ve found this group very helpful and I’ve just had a full week without cramps.
I’m taking that as I win.
I hope you get a run of good sleep. Everything feels better when you are rested.
Good luck.

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