Severe leg cramping

Posted by Helena341 @helena341, Oct 2, 2011

I joined this discussion group because I have diabetes and suffer from severe leg cramping especially at night but not exclusively as they also occur if I'm wearing higher heeled shoes. Does anyone here have cramping in their legs so severe that you need to get up during the night because pain disturbs your sleep? This happens to me often and trying to find answers. Doctors have not as yet determined the cause. Thanks for any help you may have.

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thisfatoldlady | @thisfatoldlady | Apr 19 7:20pm

My husband does "chores" for his exercise three times a day - and if he doesn't have active things to do around the house, he'll go for a walk; and he does drink lots of water. I should see about boosting his potassium maybe. Thank you.

sporty | @sporty | Apr 22 9:38pm

I try n use Aspercream.

jsiegel | @jsiegel | Apr 23 9:36am

Try Theraworx. Available OTC at the supermarket. It’s a topical magnesium foam that works wonders for me.

dbamos1945 | @dbamos1945 | Apr 23 12:29pm

In reply to @jsiegel "Try Theraworx. Available OTC at the supermarket. It’s a topical magnesium foam that works wonders for..." + (show)

@jsiegel: I dido Theraworx does work.! They make Nerve Pain, Joint Pain and Muscle Pain that uses a soft foam concoction to apply topically. It stops Muscle cramps in a second! It relieves Nerve pain so I can get to sleep and Joint ache relief everywhere!
I have all three cans on my night stand. I thank you for taking your time to care about all of us and sharing on Mayo Connect. We indeed are a big family!

susanmaria | @susanmaria | May 5 10:43am

If you are female, it might be that you are low on progesterone.

livinthedream | @livinthedream | May 6 4:37pm

Im diabetic and have had leg cramping at night. I have figured out for myself it is due to not drinking enough water during the day.

lkirnbauer | @lkirnbauer | May 7 1:36pm

Yes, this happens to me when I am on my feet a lot during the day. The cramps are debilitating and start in my upper thighs and then sometimes the pain comes up around my lower back. It’s awful! The Theraworx foam does work, but it may take a few minutes. It’s been a life saver for me when my husband is out of town, otherwise, I think I would die from the pain they give me.

lkirnbauer | @lkirnbauer | May 8 2:01pm

In reply to @livinthedream "Im diabetic and have had leg cramping at night. I have figured out for myself it..." + (show)

Try adding LMNT Electrolyte packets to your water. They’ve been a life saver for me at times!

baz10 | @baz10 | May 16 2:08pm

Recently had labs done and when visiting my Clinician for a check-up she asked if I had muscle cramps in my legs and feet and I said sure. She said my magnesium was low and prescribed some for me. I haven't taken it long enough to know if it will continue to work, but so far it seems to be helping. Perhaps those who are experiencing leg cramps might think of having blood labs done and see if magnesium could be the culprit! Baz10

Helena341 | @helena341 | May 17 9:59am

Since cramping in legs was so severe, I’ve been taking Magnesium every day and it helps a lot. I occasionally get cramps at night and keep smart water (electrolytes) on night stand. Cramps stop within few minutes.