Leg Cramps

2B135AGAIN

2B135AGAIN

New member
I have been waking up with leg cramps from he** a couple of nights a week for the last few weeks. These suckers are not the wimpy variety I now realize I used to have that would go away if I just stood up on the leg. I have to limp into the bathroom and soak a rag with the hottest water I can stand and hold it on there for a minute or so while flexing and cursing through it.

Of course, I've been working out more, riding my bike (12 miles to work 2x/week and shorter rides a couple of days/evenings a week), rollerblading, and using various machines at the gym. I average about 100oz of water every day, and make a protein drink containing chocolate protein powder, 1 tbsp peanut or soy butter, and a banana about 3x/week. I think I'm doing everything I can to keep them from coming back, but they still do.

I would really appreciate any suggestions. What am I missing that is causing these things? Thanks!!

**Basking in Onederland! - Weigh-in today = 199 (OK, 199.2)**
 
I was talking about this in my diary just the other day...

Since getting back from the walk - every night I've had the most god awful leg cramps... So bad that I can't even straighten my foot -it's really disturbing...



A muscle cramp is an involuntary, sustained tightening (contraction) of one or more of your muscles. It can result in intense pain and an inability to use the affected muscles. Night leg cramps are contractions of the leg muscles, usually in the back of the lower leg (calf). They often occur just as you're falling asleep or just as you're waking up.

The exact cause of night leg cramps isn't known. Some experts believe they may be due to abnormal processing of electrolytes — essential elements and chemical substances your body needs for basic functions — by muscles. Almost everyone has occasional leg cramps. But they occur most often in older adults. Common causes of night leg cramps include:

  • Muscle overexertion
  • Prolonged sitting
  • Dehydration
  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • Decreased potassium levels
  • Neuromuscular disorders, such as Parkinson's disease
  • Certain medications, such as albuterol, niacin, diuretics, and some calcium channel blockers and antipsychotic medications
  • Alcohol use

If you do get a leg cramp, you may be able to make it go away by:

  • Walking on the affected leg
  • Massaging the affected muscle
  • Straightening your leg and flexing your foot toward your knee until you feel the calf muscles stretch
  • Applying a cold pack to the affected muscle
  • Taking a hot bath

To help prevent night leg cramps:

  • Drink plenty of fluids during the day.
  • Stretch your leg muscles before bedtime.
  • Get adequate potassium in your diet.

If you have frequent and severe leg cramps at night, talk to your doctor. Treatment results vary. But the most effective treatments based on current research are:

  • Vitamin B-12
  • Gabapentin

Night leg cramps should be distinguished from another common cause of night leg discomfort called restless legs syndrome, a condition in which your legs have a creepy, crawly or fidgety sensation unless you move them. The sensation often worsens as night approaches. Restless legs syndrome is a neurologic condition that requires different treatment from that of night leg cramps.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you're keeping a food journal, I'd probably monitor how much potassium you're getting...
 
I get some monster leg cramps myself, and they're not the kind that are easily walked off. I get them in my instep, on the top of my feet, around my ankles, on the top of my toes, etc.

I've gotten some relief by taking a multivitamin every day. If I go for a long ride, e.g. over 30 miles, I'll often take another vitamin at night and a supplement called Thermolyte, which is basically just an electrolyte replacement.

You can also try . Some cyclists swear by their products, though I've never tried them myself.
 
I get calf-cramps from time to time. They generally happen when I've been bad about taking my supplements or not having my daily banana. I don't know if bananas really make a difference, but my mother had me eat them when I was young so I wouldn't have leg cramps when playing sports. *shrug*Who knows, she might have been trying to fool me into healthy foods. :D

- Sunny
 
Thanks Mal and Tom for the information. After reading what you sent, I did a little more research on electrolytes. I think that's the only thing I'm missing. I eat a lot of foods that contain potassium, take vitamins every day, and drink tons of water. One article I read said that if I'm drinking straight water in the amounts that I am, I may need to replace electrolyes. I'm also going to start stretching before bed. Speaking of bed...

Thanks again!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top