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How to eliminate nocturnal leg cramps
I had a routine ankle arthroscopy 7 years ago (left ankle) due to old MVA (motor vehicle accident). I got a golden staph infection and had 3 months on flucloxacillin. I recovered. Pain continues but that is not my current problem.
6 years ago I started getting nocturnal leg and foot cramps. Mainly in the left foot and calf. Sometimes also in my right calf (much milder)
My GP (general practitioner) suggested I take magnesium- which I did with good results. After about year I started developing other symptoms. Noticeably hot feet at night, tingling/numbness in the hands. Then I became clumsy, unsteady on my feet and then my vision began to fluctuate. Terrible brain fog. Trembling hands. After 5 years of taking magnesium I was alerted to the possibility of B6 toxicity. I saw I was taking 25mg a day in the magnesium. I had my blood tested and yes, I had very high levels of B6.
I have been detoxing for 2 months.
This is the background to my question.
Since stopping the magnesium and the B6 I cannot control the foot and leg cramps.
My magnesium levels are ‘normal’. My full blood scan was ‘normal’ except for high B6.
I don’t have diabetes, I don’t have thyroid issues. I have a healthy BMI. I have good electrolyte balance. I am hydrated.
The only relief I can get is rubbing the cramping area with an anti-inflammatory gel.
I’m so tired. I dread going to bed. I sleep a few hours, awake with sharp pain, dance around the room, rub the area with gel. Drink some water. Get back to sleep. 2-3 hours later - start again!
I would love to hear from anyone who has had this and found a cure.
Thx
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What is the problem with CoQ10 and blood thinner like the Plavix I've been taking since my stroke 4 months ago? I've also been taking Atorvastatin, which is the reason for my taking the CoQ10.
Please read from our forum sponsor.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-coenzyme-q10/art-20362602
Basically CoQ10 interferes with anti platelet medication decrease its ability to work correctly. There are many warnings if you Dr. Google it too. I’m guessing you haven’t mentioned this to your doctor? Since you’ve had a prior stroke I doubt you want another. You should consider stopping it since low coq10 is not as important as blood thinning when considering health potential.
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6 ReactionsThanks, @jenatsky. and for the Mayo link.
I'll discuss with my doc soon at appointment, for sure.
Also read when Googling that magnesium could also be a problem interacting with blood thinner.
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3 ReactionsGood idea about the socks at night! I have had terrible cramps in both feet with contortion (recent fusions last couple years both feet great toe joints). I just started magnesium so hopefully this help. My feet get so cold and such a simple suggestion gives me some hope. Docs don’t seem to know what to do about so much of this pain. I loathe bedtime due to the constant awakening. Bless you all!
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2 ReactionsSince I started using Theraworx for muscle cramping it is almost gone. You can apply before bed or if you wake up with a cramp apply and massage. The cramp is gone after a minute or two. I use the foam as I think it works better than the spray. About $20 in Walgreens or CVS but I got it on Amazon for about 17 plus tax.
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11 Reactionsquinine that can be bought in a dropper bottle from amazon works for me.
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3 ReactionsI have been wearing socks to bed for years. They definitely help with cold feet. They can also soften callouses and make toenails less brittle if you take the time to rub lotion on your feet before you put on the socks. I like CeraVe cream for my feet and Theraplex ointment for my toenails. You may need to ask your pharmacist to order the latter. But two cautions: 1) the socks should be made of breathable fibers, lightweight wool being tops; 2) slouchy socks without spandex are best because you don’t want to cut off circulation. My favorite bed socks are some very old all-wool, white, crew socks made by Wigwam. I darn them once in a while because I don’t think Wigwam makes them anymore..
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2 ReactionsReally appreciate your suggestions. I’m going to look for new bed socks . I use Cereve body lotion. My dermatologist said it is best. I’ll look for the cream. Feet get so dry! Maybe I won’t need a pedicure now 😉
I have posted and responded to many comments in this thread and for years I suffered excruciating nocturnal leg cramps. I am 73, female, normal/low BMI, non smoker.
I suffer from peripheral neuropathy and have some old MVA injuries to my left leg and spine.
The reason for this update is that I have been traveling for four weeks and have been unusually active (walking). This has caused a lot of pain. My diet has also changed significantly with far less sugar in my diet.
I have not had leg cramps at all whilst travelling.
It will be interesting to see if, when I return to my sedentary lifestyle with all day sugar snacking, my leg cramps return.
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2 ReactionsI have not had occasion to deal with anti-platelet meds and blood thinning but I want to raise a flag about your saying what is most important. Depleting CoQ10 may be very dangerous, too. I'll defer to those who are aware of both, but from where I sit it looks like a very difficult issue and I'd certainly kick it up to my doctors.