Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

Starting this week the cramps have begun.
Usually early morning (say 5am)

They are hard painful knots in my calves. They pull my toes straight up to my knees, it feels like.

It started off as very uncomfortable in my pain tolerance, I’d just shake it out or move and just bear through the pain. Now it’s so bad I have to toss my legs over the edge of the bed and try to rub the pain away. It usually helps if I can stand (If being the big word there) and work them a bit.

So, I come to you ladies.

What can I do to stop these cramps?

Re: Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

They say that eating bananas will help with leg cramps. I believe they are caused by a lack of potassium that can be found in them. Feel better!

Re: Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

You can try to stop them by eating bananas and drinking lots of water, but the only thing that will definitely work is giving birth.

I ate a banana every day, drank plenty of water. Did nothing to help as far as I could tell. But there's always the possibility that my cramps may have been worse had I not done those things.

Re: Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

If you feel one coming on, point your foot/toes in the opposite direction and this usually stops one from happening for me!

Bananas did nothing for me.

Re: Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

I sufferred with these as well. If bananas aren't your thing (I personally cannot even stomach the smell of them) you can try prunes and raisins, which both are high in potassium as well and also seem to help with the bathroom issues (in case are having any of those too). As the other ladies said try to drink lots of water. I also found that propping up my legs at night helped.

Good luck!

Re: Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

I eat a banana every day
not only do I like them, they are a great quick filler snack

Water water and more water

Still I am cramping

I know I've been without the bananas for the past few days and yes the cramps have been worse.. I gotta wait until payday to buy more though...

*sigh*

Re: Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

Gatorade. Cramps will go away in 20 minutes I promise.

Re: Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

yep, potassium rich foods and tons of water...

since you're suffering so much, it may be worth your while to force yourself to increase water consumption, even if you think you're drinking enough.

I have had my calves twitch very frequently at night, but that gripping searing pain and tightness never develops.. I attribute that to my 3L a day of water, and my love of potassium-rich foods

feel better!

Re: Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

Put your foot flat on the cold floor and it will help it to go away.
The trick is getting out of bed to put your foot on the floor.
I've also heard that taking a Tums and drinking a full glass of water before going to bed can help.

Re: Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

if you already eat bananas - try some calcium - I was told that can help with the leg cramps - it couldn't hurt to have some tums or ask your OB about taking a calcium supplement like the activ chews. I know it also worked for some of my friends. Also plenty of fluids - being dehydrated can do it to I believe

Re: Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

With DS I had leg cramps almost everynight for about two weeks than never again

Re: Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

I had to take 2 tums with every meal because of legs cramps. It really did help

Message edited 6/12/2008 9:57:58 PM.

Re: Any way to stop the cramps (calves) ??

thanks everyone!

I definately increased my water intake.
I've been sort of lax with my water and been drinking caffine free root beer, snapples, some ice tea, sipping my hubby's soda, etc. So I mentally slapped myself and I'm back on my water and juice only kick.

Last night my hubby rubbed my ankle (its been sore and puffy) and my calves. I took tylenol and elevated my ankles for a good hour. My hubby also rubbed the bottom of my feet including the arch area (im flat footed so this is always a sore spot for me anyway) and hit a pressure point that really tingled.

Sooooo
No cramps last night!

I told the hubby about my lack of bananas and its on my list today (since I got paid) to pick up before we go home.

Did I mention I love him?