Nocturnal Leg Cramps - Help!

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

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.

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

What injectable cholesterol med did you go on?

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.

Thanks

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.

I can get my stubborn ankle and shin cramps out with a cheaper generic version of the Thumper sports massager. About 1-2 minutes at full speed and it’s gone. Hurts but worth it and I can go back to sleep. Give it a try. Best of luck.

The shin cramps...excruciating, and walking them off is not even any kind of option because the tendons are pulling your 4 small toes so tight. I have tried EVERYthing and have even undergone a comprehensive blood panel to ensure my levels are not deficient. This is the only, only thing that works for me: I have identified the trigger point in the extensor digitorum longus (ask google), and I use a Theragun Mini right on that trigger point when I have a cramp. It's not a miracle, but it's way faster and more effective than mustard, vinegar, pickle juice, Hotshot, staying hydrated, stretching, ivory soap, magnesium, Hyland's, tonic water, vein treatments, and all the other "remedies" that are touted to provide relief. I still stay rigorously on top of hydration, stretching, and nightly magnesium, but this little machine has helped immensely. It wasn't cheap, but if you're like me, you'll try anything. I sure hope this helps some others get relief from this misery of miseries.

How are you doing now that more time has passed? Still leg cramp free? I am reading through comments on this post and found your helpful one. Hope you are doing well.