Leg Cramps

I woke up in the middle of the night with the biggest cramp in my left leg. I actually have a small bruise from the cramp. I drink a lot of water throughout the day so I doubt I am dehydrated and my calcium intake is pretty normal as well. Anyone have this and know what causes this. My calf muscles actually ache. TIA

Re: Leg Cramps

could be a potassium deficiency...do you eat babanas or foods rich in potassium?

I know how bad it hurts!

Re: Leg Cramps

Thanks for your response. It could be a potassium definciency but I am usually pretty good at eating foods high in potassium and other vitamins or minerals. I don't really eat bananas because I follow a low carb diet but i do eat a lot of other potassium enriched foods. I also take a multivitamin as well. I will see if it continues to happen and then I will consult my Dr. Thanks so much.

Re: Leg Cramps

yep..u need more potassium. try adding bananas to your diet or a supplement.

Re: Leg Cramps

Thank you!

Re: Leg Cramps

i woke up today TWICE with horrible leg cramps!!! the second time i woke up - i was SCREAMING - it was in both legs and i could barely stand.

normally what works for me (though i haven't had these in a long time) is putting my feet on a cold floor...but today - i even stood on an ice pack with no avail.

i'm picking up some bananas tonight - that's always been what helps (for my mom who has them)...

Re: Leg Cramps

It's horrible. It's been 2 days and I am still sore Definitely will be more conscientious of my potassium intake.

Re: Leg Cramps

Tonic water has quinine in it, and altho it tastes terrible, if you just drink some before going to bed on a day you did a lot of walking, acticvity, etc it will help. Also, if you take a swig of it while you are getting the cramps, it automatically stops.

Tonic water tastes to me, but sometims I just need to drink it.

hope u r feeling better soon!

I woke up at 4:55 AM with a severe charley horse..it took a while to subside...what I do when I get them is just jump right out of bed & walk around..it seems to help me.

Re: Leg Cramps

Thanks again. That's good to know!

Re: Leg Cramps

I get these cramps when I have particularly stressful days at work when i cant hydrate myself as much as i want. I usually will wake up screaming in the middle of the night feeling that someone just stabbed my calf with a knife, then i limp for a few days after. When it's really bad I can't go to the gym for a week. The best thing is to keep up with your electrolytes throughout the day, its been hotter recently so you may need to increase your fluid intake.