Charlie Horses and Cramping: What helps?

The magnesium that has been enormously helpful is Solinova liquid calcium w maximum absorption of magnesium/ 1,000iU of vitamin D3. Take it about 30 minutes bf bed. We no longer get cramps and it helps w sleeping as well

I agree that magnesium helps muscle cramps and restless leg syndrome, during sleep. I use CALM magnesium powder, mixed into water about an hour before sleep. I just use a Tablespoon of powder. I have been using this for about 4 years.

I had a relatively mild case in December 2022. Had been vaxxed and boosted. Just took a lot of Vitamin C. Have been extremely tired (fall asleep at work, as though I have narcolepsy) and GI tract issues and last night had the worst Charlie Horse I ever had in my life. (Calf still hurts, 12 hours later.) Am taking probiotics and digestive enzymes for GI tract, though I just read they are being used for post-covid fatigue, as well. Have a banana before I go to bed. Will try rubbing magnesium oil on my feet/legs tonight, proactively. Appreciate this message board and all who are sharing their experiences. Hope we can help one another.

When you have a cramp it is good gradually stretch it out to avoid tearing muscle fibers. I've had leg and other cramps for decades. My calcium, D, mag, and other bloodwork is all normal. I treat it with and recommend physical therapy. Strength and flexibility decrease as we age and are ill. I do a series of flexibility and strengthening exercises at home. Particularly before bedtime, stretch out the various cramping leg and other muscles. Check with your doctor on massaging legs in case you are at risk for clots.

I have a friend with MS who recommended a medication that is nerve related for muscle cramps. I get them in my ankles and feet but in very weird locations that are hard to stretch out. I already take all the vitamins for cramp’s because I’ve been a life long (until Covid) weight lifter. They didn’t help with these much.
But I can usually tell before bed that I’ll get cramps because of a weird tightness in my legs but the medicine is Tizanidine. I only take 1mg before bed on the nights it comes. My symptoms also come and go about every 3-6 months. I’ll feel great and back to normal for about 3 months then I’ll start getting leg weakness, burning muscles, twitches in my skin/muscles, and the ankle/foot cramps. I also will get heart palpitations, GI upset/pain, sleeplessness and dizzy spells. These symptoms come on and last about 6months then mysteriously goes as quickly as it comes and I’ll again feel good for about 3 months….
I haven’t found relief for my GI pain been taking different medications none have helped. Haven’t found medication to help pain/numbness in hands. I take adderall for the brain fog, chamomile/melatonin gummies for sleeplessness.

I’ve added a lot of different supplements lately for the PEM muscle pain/weakness but just started so I don’t know the effectiveness yet.

5 defenders real mushrooms (immunity, brain, depression, cancer, inflammation), lions mane mushroom (nerves/brain) , B2 (brain, skin, cancer), L-carnitine, Carlyle Bacopa (brain fog/memory), K2 (bones, skin, brain, heart), glutathione with milk thistle and ALA (cellular support for oxidation stress), NAD+ Nicotinamide Ribosode (increase cellular energy, DNA repair), Resveratrol (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, glucose and lipid regulatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective effects), HMB (prevents muscle breakdown, helps promote muscle growth and strength), proteolytic enzymes (reduces inflammation, prostaglandins and cytokines).

It seems like a lot but with the research I’m doing regarding the effects of Covid on a cellular level with microclots and increased inflammation and fibrosis in the tissues I’m trying a natural way of helping my body heal from the inside.

With the addition of Magnesium Maleat and adding salt to my diet, I have finally gotten over the horrible leg cramps. Because I was drinking a lot of water to help flush the spike protein, I became hyponatremic. I started salting my egg, and a few other foods.

My nurse friend suggested teaspoon of ground mustard when cramp starts. Hope works for you too🌈

Thank you very much! I had one starting to come on this morning. I took my slippers off and stepped on (cold) bathroom tile floor and that stopped it.

I have muscle pain all over body and pins and needles on my tongue, left leg, right arm and inside mouth.

I am also struggling with daytime sleepiness. Wouldn’t really call it fatigue. Went to the movies with my grandson, who nudged me twice to wake up. Struggle to keep my eyes open at traffic lights. I was never a napped before Covid last June. Since then, I will fall asleep sitting in the dinette chair. I am doing a sleep study for daytime sleepiness to rule out sleep apnea. I wake up every hour or two during the night. Not sure what wakes me up, so I’m hoping the sleep study will provide some answers to why my sleep is so disrupted.