Anyone having problems with leg cramps during the night?

Posted by jsrask @jsrask, Dec 6, 2023

I have just started having leg cramps in the middle of the night. Last night they woke me up every couple of hours. Going to see the doctor tomorrow so I'll ask him what I can do. Anyone else having this problem and what have you done?

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I've taken magnesium for years for leg cramps with good success. A few times since being on prednisolone though, I've had leg cramps at night too. Dehydration can cause cramps so it reminded me to drink extra water. Prednisone changes the body's water balance and electrolytes.

You might be deficient in magnesium, potassium, or something else, caused by prednisone. It can reduce potassium in particular, and that can cause cramps. Maybe your doctor could do some blood tests to see if you're low in potassium or something else and see if you need to increase your dietary intake or take a supplement. I eat half an avocado a day in salad and canteloupe occasionally. They're both high in potassium and my blood levels are okay.

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Thank you for the info. I will ask the doctor today. I too eat half an avocado a day. I have a list of high potassium foods I try to eat. Didnt know about the magnesium.

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My wife gets leg cramps frequently at night and has found quick relief with Hyland's Leg Cramp tablets. A friend recommended them and she's been using them for 4 or 5 years. I think she gets the leg cramps at night when she doesn't drink enough water. https://hylands.com/products/hylands-leg-cramps

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Good morning,
This stuff affects some folks differently as our ages any history of health issues are not alike. I guess a question that jumps out at me is how is your water intake, I don't think you can drink to much with PMR .

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I've had leg cramps before PMR but have not noticed an increase or decrease in the incidence since my diagnosis in July 2023.
I do use TheraWorks (foam) at the first twinge that I might be getting a cramp. It has always worked very well for me. I also think heat helps. So if you have a heating pad, try that. I do not drink enough water and I'm told that will help, but I don't like plain water so it's hard for me to drink as much as is recommended.
Good luck with this.

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@harelover

I've had leg cramps before PMR but have not noticed an increase or decrease in the incidence since my diagnosis in July 2023.
I do use TheraWorks (foam) at the first twinge that I might be getting a cramp. It has always worked very well for me. I also think heat helps. So if you have a heating pad, try that. I do not drink enough water and I'm told that will help, but I don't like plain water so it's hard for me to drink as much as is recommended.
Good luck with this.

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How does the foam work. Isn't it just a cleanser?

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@jiminmich

Good morning,
This stuff affects some folks differently as our ages any history of health issues are not alike. I guess a question that jumps out at me is how is your water intake, I don't think you can drink to much with PMR .

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Actually, I could drink more water. I don't like it so it's difficult. Especially in the winter I just don't get thirsty.

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@jsrask

Thank you for the info. I will ask the doctor today. I too eat half an avocado a day. I have a list of high potassium foods I try to eat. Didnt know about the magnesium.

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Surprise, surprise, my blood work came back with normal potassium and magnesium. I think I just need to drink more water.

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@jsrask

Surprise, surprise, my blood work came back with normal potassium and magnesium. I think I just need to drink more water.

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Good that your blood tests are okay.

Welcome to the water drinker's club! We're the weirdos who ask ourselves if we're really hungry or just thirsty and consider whether we might need a glass of water instead of yet another dehydrating coffee. I keep a jug of filtered water near the kettle to remind me. It's essential for so many health reasons.

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@jsrask

How does the foam work. Isn't it just a cleanser?

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The foam’s main ingredient is magnesium and when applied is absorbed into the skin. It really works for me. My husband has also had great results with it.

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