Wellness

[stilltamn8r]

Tonic water- I keep some handy- sometimes mine are so severe I cannot even make it down the stairs, so I keep a bottle near my bedside... I have tried the potassium and magnesium and it helps, but I still get them, though not every night anymore-

My Dad swore by the ivory soap in between the sheets, so I do that too, whether it helps or not, who knows, but he, like I said, swore by it.....

[willdob3]

Did anything change 3 weeks ago or in the time prior to that? Sounds like something is depleting you of your electrolytes/minerals.

What is your nutrition like? Are you following a specific nutrition plan? Taking any medications/supplements that can be diuretic? Have an increase in any meds?

[ArmoBuyer]

I suffered from severe leg cramps as did my mother and sisters, so there may be a genetic aspect to them. In addition, almost every statin drug for high cholesterol lists such pain as a possible side effect. The last bout I had was terrifying, as if I was having a seizure...then and there I decided I must find some relief, nature-based, if possible.

I have found that 1 Tablespoon of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar(including the "Mother"), taken every night before bed, has eliminated my cramps for well over a year. I buy it online, six-months supply at a time.

There are two brands I know of:

Caleb Treeze Organic Farm, Stops Leg & Foot Cramps, 8 fl oz (237 ml) for about $9.00. I prefer this brand with its added benefits of ginger and garlic, neither of which impart flavor/aroma.

and

Bragg, Organic, Apple Cider Vinegar, with The 'Mother', Raw - Unfiltered, 32 fl oz (946 ml) More reasonably priced at $5.00.

both available at:

http://www.iherb.com/search?kw=Amish+Organic+apple+cider+vinegar&sug=mesh+organic+apple&x=0&y=0#p=1

[Nonametoday]

There are no doctors posting here. See a doctor IMMEDIATELY.

[Perkup]

Here's a cheap suggestion that you should try before making any more investments in expensive meds and therapy.

DH began having severe leg cramps about 8 years ago. He would have to get out of bed every night five or six times to stand up and try to stop a severe cramp.

At the time we were taking the Baton Rouge newspaper and there was an article in one issue by a Dr Gott. He stated that he had heard many complaints from readers about leg cramps. His suggestion, although it seems rather strange, was to place a bar of Ivory Soap between the sheets next to your legs. It should be around where your legs can touch the soap - not under the bottom sheet or elsewhere.

We had some Ivory, so we tried it. Before we put the soap in, we rubbed it around on the bottom sheet on his side of the bed to sort of spread whatever. Then we put the bar down near his knees. That night, incredibly, there were no leg cramps, and he got the first good night's sleep in years. I see ho reason why this might not help your hands as well.

Since that time, he has had absolutely no leg cramps - not even once. I have no idea why or how this works. It has to be something in the soap. Can't be psychological because you're asleep. But we know it works for us, so PLEASE give this a try before you go through tests, meds, etc. It can't possibly hurt, and it just might help you. If it doesn't work, nothing lost - you can use the soap later for your shower. Just give it a week or so. We don't know that it has to be Ivory - try what you have, but don't use Dove because of different ingredients from regular soap.

Good luck.

[Another new name Sue]

I can sure sympathize. I've only had a cramp that bad once, recently. I tried to walk it off but could not even straighten out the foot to bear weight. It seemed endless. I appreciate the ideas shared here because I don't ever want that again.

Vicki, hope you can find a solution to the problem.

[duclane]

http://www.hylands.com/products/hylands-leg-cramps

I have been getting leg cramps for years. I take these Hyland's products and they work great.

Natural and can be found at Drugs stores-CVS Walgreens etc. They contain quinine potassium. I don't eat enough bananas to help.

[stilltamn8r]

Quinine in he tonic water is why it works so well, and fast, too, sometimes I have been in tears with these type of cramps.......

and glad to see someone else uses the Ivory soap thing-- Maybe mine would b worse without it.. who knows?

[ChynnaBlue]

On 3/5/2014 namealreadytaken said:

There are no doctors posting here. See a doctor IMMEDIATELY.

No, but there are a lot of people who don't read beyond the post title.

"The pain was incredible and yes I did call dr. and was seen. They took blood and also prescribed flexeril until blood work is back. Dr. said it was not restless leg as sometimes my symptons are confused with that, but are not the same."

She also states she has an appointment with her neurologist next week.

[ChynnaBlue]

I get them when I've had really bad asthma from allergies or bronchitis and had to use my albuterol inhaler a few times a day for several days. It depletes potassium and can cause cramps. Bananas usually fix me right up and, once my asthma is back under control and I stop using the albuterol, the problem goes away.