Leg cramps?

[LaurenLC]

So for about the past 5 nights I have been woken up with horrible cramps in one of my legs... Anyone have any thoughts as to what this could mean and how I make it stop?
Thanks!

 

[AKL_Megs]

My mom gets these and she doesn't know why either. Sorry you get them too!

 

[JessicaR]

Night leg cramps are sudden, painful, involuntary contractions of muscles in your leg. In most cases, night leg cramps involve your calf muscles, but muscles in your feet or thighs may cramp as well.

Most of the time, true night leg cramps occur for no known reason, and they're harmless. However, in rare situations, night leg cramps can be associated with an underlying disorder — such as peripheral artery disease or diabetes.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/night-leg-cramps/MY00410

 

[suejai]

Sometimes leg cramps are caused by a low potassium level, so you could either take supplements or just eat a banana a day and that might help.

Or I sometimes get them and find that if I can stretch out my hip flexor muscles it helps - depends on where in your leg the cramp is

 

[darkeraven]

I have hear dthat quinine helps as well

 

[CathrynRose]

Sometimes leg cramps are caused by a low potassium level, so you could either take supplements or just eat a banana a day and that might help.

Or I sometimes get them and find that if I can stretch out my hip flexor muscles it helps - depends on where in your leg the cramp is

I was going to suggest this, as well. Eat one before bed. If you don't get the cramps, you'll know it's postassium.

Also - are you drinking enough water during the day? Are you having a 'night cap' before bed? I find if I have a glass of wine too close to bedtime, I'll cramp up. Dehydration?? I dunno...

 

[happygirl]

I get them really bad as well. I have always been told it due to a lack of salt

 

[LaurenLC]

I was going to suggest this, as well. Eat one before bed. If you don't get the cramps, you'll know it's postassium.

Also - are you drinking enough water during the day? Are you having a 'night cap' before bed? I find if I have a glass of wine too close to bedtime, I'll cramp up. Dehydration?? I dunno...

I'm pretty sure it's not from lack of water, as I've been accused of drinking too much water..... If that's possible.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts... I think I might try the banana.... Lack of salt could also be a possibility... I'm not a huge salt person.... I'd like to try a few things before going to my doctor for it.

 

[golfgal]

I'm pretty sure it's not from lack of water, as I've been accused of drinking too much water..... If that's possible.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts... I think I might try the banana.... Lack of salt could also be a possibility... I'm not a huge salt person.... I'd like to try a few things before going to my doctor for it.

Yes, it is VERY possible to drink too much water and you very well be feeling the effects of that with your leg cramps. Too much water dilutes your system and throws off your electrolytes, especially your potassium. Cut back a bit on the water and eat a banana and hopefully that will help. Another possible cause is pregnancy--I got them a lot when I was pregnant--boy do they HURT!

 

[pppiglet]

Eating a banana a day works for me!

 

[teacups]

I've had three kids, and had this with each pregnancy. But never when I'm not preggo. It's not fun. I hope you find some answers.

 

[mousesweetie]

I agree, increase your water intake and see if it helps.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

low potassium... Orange Juice, baked potatoes, tomatoes are all higher than bananas.

an old wives tale is to put an open bar of soap at the bottom of the bed under the covers with you.. Many claim that is works like a charm.


Excess water will cause you to "decrease" your potassium level...

Also, if you take water pills this may be the problem.

 

[monorailsilver]

I've had three kids, and had this with each pregnancy. But never when I'm not preggo. It's not fun. I hope you find some answers.

I was thinking the same thing. I get them bad when I am pregnant. I do get them but not like when I am cooking something.

And I have been having leg cramps more often in the past few weeks. My tubal better not have failed!

 

[Imzadi]

I used to have severe night cramps when I was taking dance classes. They stopped a few months after I stopped taking classes.

I still get one if I've been wearing new shoes with a different heel height than I am used to wearing.

I've had slight anemia forever, and recently found out it's full blown anemia. Some of the symptoms is leg cramps, body aches or blood circulation problems.

In addition to taking potassium, try upping your iron intake.

 

[tar heel]

I've just been diagnosed with anemia. Cause hasn't been determined yet, and I've been researching it. Leg cramps can be a symptom.

I also always had them when I was pregnant and once in a while when I'm not. I've had them lately, though, and I'm guessing it's the low iron.