Charlie Horses and Cramping: What helps?

Hi. I understand what you're talking about. That happens to me at work. I'm awake one minute and then struggling to stay awake, and then snoring (at my desk!). That's great that you're doing that study. Hope you get some answers. Good luck.

Hi Sickteacher,
That is so bad what you are going through! When I get a Charlie horse, I walk around, (if you can) and drink water. This does seem to help. In fact, it's a good idea to drink a lot of water during the day. The suggestions of magnesium are good for that also. Magnesium does a lot of good things for our bodies.

I would suggest you see your primary care doctor regarding this situation. He can decide if you need to see a specialist or if something else is also happening with your body.

Best of luck! I'll say a prayer for you.
PML

I say thank God for Ambien

Had Covid. Experienced severe leg cramps for about 2 weeks. Went away. Had updated Covid shot in January. Leg cramps returned. Have not gone away. Docs can’t find anything wrong. Anyone get long term symptoms from Covid shot?

I have not had a shot of any kind except the Vitamin B12 I give myself monthly, however, I do experience leg cramps and cramps in my feet. I am taking a magnesium supplement, but I still have them, usually at night. I have gotten to the point where I am used to it, although I hope they go away.

My leg cramps have existed for many years pre-covid. Likely associated with celiac, hypothyroid, and/or neuropathy. I'm a 70 yo female and get enough calcium, magnesium, D, B vitamins, hydration, and such. I control cramps by exercising (stronger legs cramp less) and stretching. Stretching legs before bed is particularly useful. Some I do while brushing my teeth (so much multitasking). If one gets a leg cramp when in bed, easiest remedy is to get out of bed and gradually stretch out the leg, walking around a bit. Trying to force it can tear fibers. PT is good for leg cramp exercises and stretching. Here is some info: https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/leg-cramps https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/leg-cramps

I've been experiencing the same symptoms nightly. My doctor change my statin drug from Avorastatin to Rosuvastatin and I got relief for a couple nights, but now I have the cramps every night and last night I was up almost hourly having to walk around and massage calves and feet. Nothing I've tried seems to help and I've tried numerous remedies and recommendations, including compression socks, L-Citriline, increased potassium, magnesium, among others. Any suggestions? Let me know.

I am so sorry to hear that. I have also found that I MUST drink a lot of water. Sometimes I forget and I can tell a difference in how I feel if I am not hydrated. I know this may sound crazy, but walking barefoot uses different muscles in the feet and legs, however it might make the cramps worse before better. Just a suggestion. I try to walk barefoot around the house and when I take the dogs outside, weather permitting of course.

Try Magnilife Relaxing Leg Cream PM. It helps my legs at night.

@flower12345, I moved your question about leg cramps to this discussion:
- Charlie Horses and Cramping: What helps?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/charlie-horses-cramping/

Click the link to see more helpful responses.