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Nocturnal Leg Cramps - Help!

Posted by ashby1947 @ashby1947, Oct 20, 2019

Does anyone have a suggestion to help deal with foot/ankle/leg cramps in the middle of the night? I take plenty of calcium and magnesium and am thinking that I need to increase my potassium intake. Topical lotions (Theraworx, Tiger Balm, etc.) have not helped. I hope this is a good day for whoever is reading this! Sue

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larryg333 | @larryg333 | Mar 10, 2022

Many thanks, D. Appreciate your input.

Happy for your accomplishment with this!

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larryg333 | @larryg333 | Mar 10, 2022
In reply to @dannybee "Vicks Vapo rub helps me, and Requip. I don't advise taking quinine or anything that has..." + (show)
@dannybee

Vicks Vapo rub helps me, and Requip. I don't advise taking quinine or anything that has it. Ive heard that magnesium soaks are good. Good luck!

Jump to this post

Thank you, Danny. Do you wrap your calves / ankles after the Vapo-Rub?

Would MUCH prefer to not go the oral med route. Just not my way. But great that it does the trick for you!

/LarryG

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regalrottweilers | @regalrottweilers | Mar 11, 2022
In reply to @larryg333 "Good morning , Crampers! Been experiencing calf, and most currently ankle, cramps when in bed at..." + (show)
@larryg333

Good morning , Crampers!

Been experiencing calf, and most currently ankle, cramps when in bed at night. They don't go away by doing stretches in bed... lately I have to get up and walk for a couple of minutes to get relief. Pain level / intensity can be 5-6... IOW, it hurts!

Senior male, early 70s, not overweight, workout (walk, weight train and use resistance bands) regularly, eat well, drink lots of water, take Mag, Potassium, use sea salt, and generally I'm in pretty good shape.

Usually the cramps are on my left leg / ankle, but the last few days it's been on the right ankle. When all this first started it was in my calves.

Saw the suggestions re: pickle juice, green alcohol and Theraworx. Any other thoughts from the group?

Read that the latter product may take two weeks or more to work. I'm a little skeptical of it as I ingest plenty of Mag (Mag Water -- throughout the day, and also take Mag Citrate -- 400 mg daily after dinner)... and noted that the active ingredient in Theraworx is magnesium sulfate.

Thanks!

/LarryG

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I use theraworks and it works in less than 5 minutes. Excellent product for me. Also faygo pop/soda tonic water has quinine in it that also helps with cramping. I think Walmart brand too but check label. I just drink a glass before bed at night.

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2 replies
larryg333 | @larryg333 | Mar 11, 2022
In reply to @regalrottweilers "I use theraworks and it works in less than 5 minutes. Excellent product for me. Also..." + (show)
@regalrottweilers

I use theraworks and it works in less than 5 minutes. Excellent product for me. Also faygo pop/soda tonic water has quinine in it that also helps with cramping. I think Walmart brand too but check label. I just drink a glass before bed at night.

Jump to this post

Thank you, Regal. Taking it all in. Appreciate everyone's experience... real "evidence-based advice," right? ;>)

Happy to report not a hint of cramps last night. That was my third or fourth day supplementing with potassium. Maybe my "cell stores" are building up slowly, and it's starting to take effect??? We'll see how things go... and will share with you all.

/LarryG

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1 reply
leonaruehmann | @leonaruehmann | Mar 11, 2022

For me I use voltarin gel after a hot bath

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ppat4pr | @ppat4pr | Mar 11, 2022

I was told by my MD to take Co-Q-10 and it worked for me.

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scpartain | @scpartain | Mar 12, 2022
In reply to @regalrottweilers "I use theraworks and it works in less than 5 minutes. Excellent product for me. Also..." + (show)
@regalrottweilers

I use theraworks and it works in less than 5 minutes. Excellent product for me. Also faygo pop/soda tonic water has quinine in it that also helps with cramping. I think Walmart brand too but check label. I just drink a glass before bed at night.

Jump to this post

My doctor recommended tonic water with quinine for leg cramps. Drinks containing electrolytes also help, along with that old standard, a glass of milk at bedtime.

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1 reply
bfort | @bfort | Mar 12, 2022
In reply to @scpartain "My doctor recommended tonic water with quinine for leg cramps. Drinks containing electrolytes also help, along..." + (show)
@scpartain

My doctor recommended tonic water with quinine for leg cramps. Drinks containing electrolytes also help, along with that old standard, a glass of milk at bedtime.

Jump to this post

My neurologist told me to take Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg. And I eat a half of a banana every day. It makes a huge difference in my cramps in my feet and legs.

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larryg333 | @larryg333 | Mar 12, 2022

Good morning, all!

Wanted to report another night (two consecutive, now) of no cramps whatsoever... happy-happy! Accordingly, will continue with the potassium.

In contrast to a previous poster, Co-Q10 -- which I've supplemented with for over five years (and will continue to take for other reasons), obviously has not done the trick for me.

Also consume lots of foods containing good quantities of ALA... which has not spared me from the cramps.

Glad to see everyone contributing.

All the best!

/LarryG

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regalrottweilers | @regalrottweilers | Mar 13, 2022
In reply to @larryg333 "Thank you, Regal. Taking it all in. Appreciate everyone's experience... real "evidence-based advice," right? ;>) Happy..." + (show)
@larryg333

Thank you, Regal. Taking it all in. Appreciate everyone's experience... real "evidence-based advice," right? ;>)

Happy to report not a hint of cramps last night. That was my third or fourth day supplementing with potassium. Maybe my "cell stores" are building up slowly, and it's starting to take effect??? We'll see how things go... and will share with you all.

/LarryG

Jump to this post

That’s such wonderful news Larry. I am happy for you. I hope you have all cramp free nights now. Glad potassium did the trick.

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