Nocturnal Leg Cramps - Help!

Actually, you should first look at meds if you take a statin or some blood pressure meds. That is always the first suspect unless you are heavy into sports, etc. I took a stain years ago and almost crippled me u until I switched to Candesartan which does not seem to have those muscle issues. A lot depends on your age, activities, etc. to see what the issues may be. Those over-the-counter products never seemed to work for me, I've tried them all.

My GP advised I try 4 oz of (diet) Tonic water- it contains quinine- seems to work! I also realized recently that statins are known to cause cramping- so might try reducing that, and lay off the tonic to experiement- see if that's the culprit, see it mentioned above, as well.

Mine started at 64. I was in good shape and have no idea why it was happening. I had them occasionally in both legs at a time. 13 years later, I finally had the pain management doctor tell me to start drinking some kind of electrolyte. I started two years drinking Propel. At the time I had increased water, ate bananas and other things. Since then I am about 97% clear of them. It works. Some of those cramps were the worst pain I've ever had. By the way I did change statins but only recently. I give most credit to the Propel.

Hmm, never thought of the amlodipine (I take that, too). One thing you might want to look into is having your potassium levels checked. Simple blood test. Normal ranges are 3.5-5.0. Yes, most of us are low in magnesium, but low potassium does cause leg cramps. Just a thought.

I did that and it seemed to work for about four or five months, then stopped working. I guess I got used to the little bit of Quinine in the water and need more, which I could not get without drinking a ton of that stuff. I was advised by my doctor to also take Vitamin E with it.

I don’t know how to stop them but have had great success getting rid of them . A massage therapist taught me when I start to get one hit across the middle of the foot with the side of your hand . Works better if someone else can hit it or I have been known to use the heal of my other foot but it does knock it out

I have a new thing. I only walk around 1 1/2 to 2 miles about three times a week now due to my osteoarthritis even in my toes. I wear Brooks running shoes and have never had this problem. I'm an 83 year old female that is 5'2" and weigh 129. For the last 3 times I have walked I feel great as usual after but at night when I'm sleeping I have been getting shin splints that are very painful. I only get them the night after the day I have walked. I do take a statin and after being on all of the brands I take Livalo which doesn't give me side effects. It's the strangest thing.

Try magnesium supplements for night leg issues. FYI statins can bring on pains.

Hi Gussie,

If you're getting shin splints after walking, pay attention to how your foot strikes the ground. If the front of your foot is the first part to make contact, that can cause shin splints - although this usually only occurs in runners. You might also be pushing off too forcefully with your toes, and that can also cause shin splints.

A better way to walk is to let your heel strike the ground first, and then let the mid foot and forefoot roll forward. It takes some practice.

Hope this helps.

Joe

aside from medications and exercise related pain, I'm wondering if you have venous insufficiency. Do your ankles, feet or lower legs swell? Do you have varicose veins? If so, have your dr evaluate this. Drink fluids, raise your legs above your heart or 15 minutes daily x3/day, look into wearing compression socks and take a walk at least 30 minutes daily.