Neuropathy and leg cramps

@jfw777 try magnesium twice a day. I had the same issue and not a day passed without crying in the middle of the night. A neurologist suggested Magnesium and it made a world of difference. But it has not helped pain.

There is scientific research linking restless leg syndrome to cardiac disease. I personally observed a parent with restless leg syndrome subsequent heart disease but she was gaslighted and told other nonsense. Neuro issues hmph. To the post about burning in the legs, do you have an undiagnosed spinal injury to your back? Might want to talk with an Ortho doc.

When I get leg cramps in the calves of my legs & occasionally in my toes, I apply a DMSO/herbal roll-on and the cramps stop almost instantly. I had a friend who always took quinine but that is prescription only now, however I understand it works quite well. Sometimes just standing up for a few minutes or walking around if you can is all it takes. Cramping for me is much less severe as I get further along in my neurology journey or possibly because I take Lyrica.

Good electrolytes. Try SALTT OR LMNT. Or Relyte. Both contain Magnesuim and potassium Not Gator Aid or body armour all those kind have bad ingredients that will make neuropathy worse

Also are you taking magnesium glycinate. Or L - theanine Higher doses than just one is required. The L theanine will also help you sleep. You will not be drowsy
Also a product call AGZ
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR9ZGMZ4
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006P536E6
1 @night
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058HWV9S
I take 2 at night

@jfw777
Here is an update on dealing with my leg cramps. Today is Monday. On Saturday I committed to doing the following every day. Some of these I have done off and on over the years and have gotten at least temporary relief.
1. I am wearing compression socks for at least half the day (see my post above about wearing them while standing all day)
2. I am taking 2 magnesium oxide at noontime and one at bedtime (that is a change from magnesium glycinate)
3. Take a 15-20 minute walk outside
4. I downloaded an app called Hourly Chime. Every hour from 8am to 8pm it 'bongs,' which is a reminder for me to get up and get moving! That includes calf raises, calf stretches, shin stretches, etc etc. I can sit for hours at a time, easily. I think this is the best thing I have committed to doing.
5. I began taking R-ALA about 2 weeks ago. I take 600 mg at noon (other people take much more than that; I'm starting out slowly)
6. I have a salve that contains a bunch of natural ingredients like beeswax, arnica, vitamin E, cinnamon. It also has magnesium, lidocaine, CBD, and THC. I rub that into my shins, calves, and feet at bedtime. I have no idea if the CBD and THC help at all; it could just be the good massage that I do, or it could be the lidocaine and magnesium. There are OTC products with lidocaine in them. Menthol may help also.

I have not had even a hint of leg cramps for the last two nights, so I am extremely hopeful that this will continue. I wish I didn't have to pay so much attention to this every day, but getting a good night's sleep is worth it.

Regarding using electrolyte powder, I've tried that, too. My doctor indicated that we really don't need it unless we're sweating (which you may be sweating at night if your room gets too warm, and you may not realize it). Also, someone told me once that you can lose sodium by drinking TOO much water. I have found that to be true.

Thank you to everyone who has offered suggestions. I hope that what I'm offering here can be of help to someone.

@trishdub

I’m really happy to hear that you found some relief and comfort! It sounds like you put in a lot of effort, and it's great to see it pay off.

I truly hope your experience helps others dealing with leg cramps.

The massage probably helps a lot too.

Now that I think of it…It reminds me of my childhood—whenever I had those awful growing pains, my mom would give me a deep tissue massage. I’d be in tears from the cramps, but somehow, her massages made it go away.

Hi there,
I am sorry for your suffering. You are not alone!

I have been suffering crippling pain neuropathy in my legs and hands for years. So, pain is one of the major symptoms. Additionally I have muscle cramps, milder during the day, intense at night. Like you I have tried about anything available, including magnesium, THC, GABA, nothing worked, until I discovered HEAT treatment.

When I use heat before going to bed, it relaxes my muscles and I get through the night without any major cramping.

Maybe that can help you too. All the best!

@pennycurious1
Yes, heat is definitely my friend, especially in the winter! (Minus 3 here this morning). I often bring a hot water bottle to bed with me and put it at various places while I read. I always wear long pajama bottoms, even leg warmers over the top to be sure my legs don’t get cold. I did not do that last night and still had no leg cramps. Woo hoo! If I had to guess, moving every hour is the best therapy for me. Also good for my whole being. 🙂

After many frustrating, sleepless nights with those leg problems, my dr prescribed Ropinrole. It has helped so much.
I keep a 33ounce bottle of water frozen for my feet. I roll it under my feet for instant cool down. I wear ice socks from Amazon overnight, switching them out mid night when they thaw. I hope you get some relief. We have to keep trying for relief.

I noticed over the past year or so that my calves were getting pretty tight. Then my legs really started having cramps that were consistent and intolerable - more so at night. Over the past couple of years my R & O doctor had increased my calcium and Vitamin D3 intake. I had taken magnesium for years as it had tested low. A couple of months ago I stopped taking all 3 supplements. My leg cramps stopped within a few days. I have been off of them for a little over 2 months now. Just got back my blood work from my primary doctor. I'm in the normal range. They are mailing my details so I don't have specifics yet. I still do stretch and use my rolling pin. Yes, you heard that right! I bought an old wooden rolling pin and use it to massage my leg muscles. So what works for one person may not work for another but thought I'd share my story. PS: I had taken an old lady multivitamin for years and years when my neurologist saw that my B6 levels were extremely high. Stopped that a little over a year ago. My neuropathy is still there but pretty good with just some numbness and tingling. Prior to stopping it was getting worse. No known cause for my neuropathy (ruled out a bunch of stuff).