How to eliminate nocturnal leg cramps

Posted by lorry @lorry, Mar 29 6:15pm

I had a routine ankle arthroscopy 7 years ago (left ankle) due to old MVA (motor vehicle accident). I got a golden staph infection and had 3 months on flucloxacillin. I recovered. Pain continues but that is not my current problem.
6 years ago I started getting nocturnal leg and foot cramps. Mainly in the left foot and calf. Sometimes also in my right calf (much milder)
My GP (general practitioner) suggested I take magnesium- which I did with good results. After about year I started developing other symptoms. Noticeably hot feet at night, tingling/numbness in the hands. Then I became clumsy, unsteady on my feet and then my vision began to fluctuate. Terrible brain fog. Trembling hands. After 5 years of taking magnesium I was alerted to the possibility of B6 toxicity. I saw I was taking 25mg a day in the magnesium. I had my blood tested and yes, I had very high levels of B6.
I have been detoxing for 2 months.

This is the background to my question.

Since stopping the magnesium and the B6 I cannot control the foot and leg cramps.
My magnesium levels are ‘normal’. My full blood scan was ‘normal’ except for high B6.
I don’t have diabetes, I don’t have thyroid issues. I have a healthy BMI. I have good electrolyte balance. I am hydrated.
The only relief I can get is rubbing the cramping area with an anti-inflammatory gel.
I’m so tired. I dread going to bed. I sleep a few hours, awake with sharp pain, dance around the room, rub the area with gel. Drink some water. Get back to sleep. 2-3 hours later - start again!
I would love to hear from anyone who has had this and found a cure.
Thx

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I used to be bothered by night time leg (calf) cramps. The only relief I could get was by putting my foot flat on the floor.
I always tried to get more magnesium.
My blood pressure was very low and my doctor suggested I eat more salt. I haven't been awakened by leg cramps for months now.

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Profile picture for Teri @tsc

I used to be bothered by night time leg (calf) cramps. The only relief I could get was by putting my foot flat on the floor.
I always tried to get more magnesium.
My blood pressure was very low and my doctor suggested I eat more salt. I haven't been awakened by leg cramps for months now.

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@tsc I am very interested in the connection between blood pressure and leg cramps. Suggestions to consume more water increase blood volume.
Elevating legs lower the blood pressure in the legs hence the cramps happen when we lay down.
When you put your feet flat on the floor, you are stretching out the cramp and also restoring blood pressure to the legs.
Thx for posting your comments. Another interesting data point.

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