Severe leg cramps: How do you relax severe leg cramps?

(@dawn_giacabazi
I’ve had that as well. In calves and upper thighs. The longest episode was about 20 minutes. What is strange is that it started in my left thigh. I had to hit the floor. Couldn’t walk it off. 10 minutes in my left thigh. Then stopped. I was relieved for about 5 seconds and while I lay there it jumped over to my right thigh.
My PCP sent me for a blood test. Checking CK levels.
A creatine kinase (CK) blood test, or CPK test, measures levels of an enzyme released into the bloodstream when muscle tissue (skeletal or heart) or the brain is damaged. Elevated CK levels often indicate muscle injury, muscular dystrophy, intense exercise, or, when specific isoenzymes are high, recent heart attack.
My levels were over 500. Normal levels are just over 200. After taking it easy (I had done nothing strenuous for a month prior) for two weeks, I had another. Levels had decreased but still over 400.
Shortly after, my heart began to hurt. Went back to the doctor for an EKG. They diagnosed afib. Sent to the cardiologist for another EKG. Turns out, I do not have afib. However my heart rate is high, irregular and I have palpitations. I will be having a stress test this month. In the meantime, I’m on Metoprolol to slow my heart rate. Currently, my heartbeat is still irregular but I have more energy and feeling better.

Did you talk to your doctor about electolytes, Magnesium and Potassium? A deficiency is f any or all of those can contribute to severe cramping. Sometimes A calcium deficiency can also contribute. Another thing could be vascular insufficiency. You need to talk to your doctor.

I suffered with very painful leg cramps which were initially relieved by applying very hot water (shower or tub which is not convenient especially in the middle of the night). Later my PCP prescribed Magnesium and I rarely experience cramps.

As soon as the leg cramps start stand up immediately even though it hurts. I give my husband 2 tablespoons of regular mustard. It helps almost immediately. Dehydration is a contributing factor. Drink more water. Suggest you discuss with your doctor also. It is very painful. Hope you feel better.

Fortunately, I don't suffer cramps very often. But when I DO, pulling my big toe vigorously towards my head always has given immediate relief. So that's lucky for me. Easy and effective. You don't even have to get out of bed.
But more importantly, perhaps, both my wife and I have experienced a cluster of cramps while taking ibuprofen (according to directions) for some temporary condition. Since cramps are rare for me, I tried to discontinue the ibu., and substituted paracetamol (acetominophen), which I take daily for years. No more cramps. Similar result for my wife at about that same time. Evidently, some people are allergic to ibu. (Or maybe it was a defective batch?? No more ibu in the house.) Worth a try if you have recurring cramps and take ibuprofen. Ask your doc for something else. Good luck.

I used to get those after I started using cholesterol medication. I started using CQ10 capsules. Leg cramps are now a thing of the past

I use Theraworx foam.
It's OTC. Apply immediately to cramp. Relieves in minutes. Can also apply daily to prevent cramps.
Good luck.

I agree this foam works instantly

I have occasional cramps do to blood flow in the legs. My Doctor is helping me increase that blood flow. The cramps when they do start up are always at night so I take a muscle relaxer and that works for me. Important: I and not an addictive disposed and a 30 pill count last over a year.

@monaza I had horrible leg & foot cramps at night. I was taking yellow mustard, drinking pickle juice, and using OTC cramp creams. I even was put on 500 mg of magnesium by my doctor hoping it would help.

Nothing worked. I’d walk throughout the night holding on to furniture and cry because of the pain.

My neighbor suggested I drink 8 ounces of tonic water with quinine at noon. He has been doing it for years and he no longer experienced severe night leg cramps.

I was skeptical but gave it a try. Soon my leg cramps were gone. Now I’ll get them when I skip my daily cup of tonic, but that is seldom.

I asked my my DIL who is a pharmacist about this. She said they used to be able to give quinine tablets but can no longer so if someone asks about leg cramps she tells them to drink tonic water with quinine. Was good to hear this!