Does anyone know a cure for night time leg cramps?

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lokita1	bannanas and stuff like that with Potassium glad to help by the way can you put me on your best answer I need 10 points before I leave to the mall Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Judge Judy of Y/A	There are medicines for 'Restless Leg Syndrome'. You can ask your doctor or look up Restless Leg Syndrome on the internet to see natural ways to help. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Egg Bagel	what about salt? Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Rosebudd	My mother swears by holding table salt in your hand on the afflicted side. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Leo	maybe your laying on that leg to much? Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

I Pity Da Fool	idk Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Jenny V	do you get enough Calcium? I had leg cramps when i was pregnant and thats what I was missing.. see your doctor if it doesnt get any better.. good luck Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Skyhawk	a product called 'q-vel' is an over-the-counter treatment for leg cramps. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Lucky Cat	A glass of salt water.... just a small one, too much will make you ill!! I hope it works! good luck! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

MBN	Maybe a heating pad? Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

ஐButterfly Effectஐ	codial which contains sugar is supposed to help it balances out the salt in your system Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

venus quality	this looks like a helpful web page Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

divinemadness	eat bananas and stretch, sometimes nyquil helps or seek a doctors Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Susan	To stop the cramping: When cramping occurs, try these steps: · Walk on or jiggle the affected leg and then elevate it. · Straighten the leg and flex your foot toward your knee. Grab your toes and pull them upward toward your knee. You should feel your calf muscles stretching. · Take a hot shower or warm bath, or apply an ice massage to the cramped muscle. A variation on the second step is most valuable. Simply flexing your foot, pointing your toes as far towards your knees as possible will often stop cramping in it’s tracks – no need to grab the toes, unless this does not work. During the day, flexing your toes towards your knees, then as far away as you can will help prevent cramps. This causes the blood to circulate past the valves in your leg veins. Do this stretch several times in a row, several times during the day. Some medications that may help are Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl), Vitamin E, and prescription muscle relaxants. I recommend pumpkin seeds, and a diet with a lot of fish, tofu and spinach for natural Magnesium! Postgraduate Medicine also recommends these exercises: Stretch your way to better sleep Nocturnal muscle cramps can often be prevented by doing leg-stretching exercises, such as the one outlined below. 1. Stand 30 inches from the wall. 2. While keeping your heels on the floor, lean forward, put your hands on the wall, and slowly move your hands up the wall as far as you can reach comfortably. 3. Hold the stretched position for 30 seconds. Release. 4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 two more times. 5. For best results, practice this exercise in the morning, before your evening meal, and before going to bed each night. http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/2002/0... “Leg cramps occur when the muscle suddenly and forcefully contracts. The most common muscles to contract in this manner are muscles that cross two joints. These muscles include the calf (crossing the ankle and knee), the hamstring (crossing the knee and hip), and the quadriceps (also crossing the knee and hip). Leg cramps usually last less than one minute, but may last several minutes before the contraction subsides. In some patients, the leg cramps occur primarily at night, and can awaken the patient from sleep.” “The most common cause that is typically seen in patients who develop leg cramps is exercising in an unusual way, meaning either more activity or a different exercise. Leg cramps are more common in young (adolescent age) and older (over 65) patients. Patients who weigh more are more prone to developing leg cramps. Also, some medications can cause side effects of leg cramping.” Train Gradually Gradually build up an exercise program, and try to avoid sudden increases in activity. The "10% Rule" is a good rule of thumb: never increase your exercise over one week by more than 10% compared to the week before. Sudden changes in activities can cause leg cramps.” IMPORTANT: “When do I need to have leg cramps evaluated by a doctor? If leg cramps become a persistent and recurring problem, you should be evaluated by your doctor. Because electrolyte imbalances can cause cramping, some blood may be analyzed to ensure the levels of Potassium and other electrolytes are normal. There are also muscle relaxing medications that can be prescribed if the muscle cramping is a problem, particularly at night. Finally, your medications and medical history should be reviewed to investigate for possible factors contributing to your leg cramps.” http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprainss... Nocturnal Leg Cramps are related to a group of disorders called Sleep Related Leg Disorders. Alternative Names include Ekbom's Syndrome; Nocturnal Leg Cramps; Periodic Limb Movement Disorder; Restless Legs Syndrome. “Researchers are investigating neurologic problems that may arise either in the spinal cord or the brain. One current theory on the cause of restless legs syndrome involves a deficiency in a brain chemical called Dopamine. RLS probably has a genetic basis in many cases, particularly those that develop before age 40. When the onset of the condition occur in older adults, it most likely due to some neurologic problem.” http://www.massgeneral.org/library/wc.as... One study found Quinine did little to nothing to help with nighttime leg cramps, and which may even be dangerous. “There was a significant relationship between serum Quinine concentration and attenuation of cramps. However, the simple expedient of increasing the nightly dose of Quinine may carry the concomitant risk of cinchonism.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query... “Benign nocturnal leg cramps are a relatively common and bothersome complaint, particularly among the elderly. Careful history taking and physical examination can exclude the majority of disorders in the differential diagnosis. Mechanical treatment of an acute muscle cramp involves stretching of the affected muscle. Prophylaxis includes both mechanical and pharmacologic measures. The efficacy of quinine Sulfate has been supported in the majority of well-designed studies, but its use is controversial, and the FDA has banned over-the-counter Quinine-based products used for leg cramps. Potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions and thrombocytopenia can occur with use of Quinine.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query... “It is probable that leg cramps occur when a muscle that is already in a shortened position is involuntarily stimulated. This commonly happens at night where the plantar flexed foot places the calf and ventral foot muscles in the most shortened and vulnerable position.” o “Metabolic disturbance (e.g. hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, hyperkalaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypoglycaemia) o Chronic diarrhoea o Severe acute diarrhoea o Excessive heat causing volume depletion and hyponatraemia o Pregnancy, especially in the late months o Cirrhosis of the liver o Renal dialysis, possibly owing to plasma volume contraction o Thyroid disease: § Hyperthyroid myopathy may be associated with cramps § Hypothyroidism is associated with weakness, enlarged muscles and painful muscle spasms o Heavy alcohol ingestion, which may induce severe muscle cramps o Lead toxicity o Sarcoidosis o Disorders of the lower motor neurone, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, polyneuropathies involving the motor neurone, recovered poliomyelitis, peripheral nerve injury and nerve root compression. You had mentioned a “dysfunctioning liver” as a potential cause of your cramps. The only liver disorder that might contribute to leg cramps would be cirrhosis. You would likely only have cirrhosis if you were a heavy drinker, and you would know if you had cirrhosis! · Drugs that may cause cramps include: o Salbutamol o Terbutaline o Raloxifene o Morphine (withdrawal) o Diuretics (owing to electrolyte loss) o Nifedipine o Phenothiazines o Penicillamine o Nicotinic Acid “Complications · Idiopathic nocturnal leg cramps have a relatively benign natural history, with no serious complications. · Sleep disturbance may affect quality of life. Prognosis · Cramps may occur intermittently during one day or they may persist over several weeks. Most cases will resolve spontaneously [Salih, 2001].” How should recurrent leg cramps be managed? · Reassurance that idiopathic leg cramps are benign may be all that is required. · Consider recommending simple measures, although here is a lack of evidence of benefit for these. o Stretching exercises are commonly advised. It is recommended that stretching exercises should be carried out three times daily initially, and then continued at a frequency that maintains a cramp-free state. Stretching the calf muscles before going to bed may help some people [Daniell, 1979; Postgraduate Medicine, 2002]. o Other measures e.g. raising the foot or the head of the bed to maintain dorsiflexion; using a pillow to prop the feet up in bed while sleeping in the supine position; hanging the feet over the end of the bed while sleeping in the prone position; and keeping blankets loose at the foot of the bed to prevent toes and feet from pointing downwards during sleep have not been investigated in trials but are thought by experts to be helpful in preventing leg cramps [Weiner and Weiner, 1980; Warburton et al, 1987; Kanaan and Sawaya, 2001]. “How should Quinine be prescribed? · Quinine 200-300 mg at bedtime is effective in reducing the frequency of nocturnal leg cramps. It may take up to 4 weeks for improvement to become apparent, and the treatment is then given regularly if there is benefit [BNF 49, 2005]. · Treatment should be interrupted at intervals of about 3 months to assess the need for further Quinine treatment [BNF 49, 2005]. Some people who found Quinine beneficial were able to stop it without any major problems [Coppin et al, 2005]. · People should be monitored closely during the early stages for adverse effects as well as for benefit [BNF 49, 2005]. There are several potentially serious drug interactions with Quinine and these should be identified before prescribing. · Cardiac glycosides: The concomitant use of Quinine may increase the plasma level of digoxin. Halving the maintenance dose of digoxin may be necessary. · Anti-arrhythmics: There is an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias if Quinine is taken with Amiodarone. · Antipsychotics: There is an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, and concomitant use should be avoided with Pimozide or Thioridazine. · Antihistamines: Concomitant use of terfenadine should be avoided, owing to the increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. · Antibacterials: There is an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, and concomitant use should be avoided with Moxifloxacin. · Other antimalarials: Quinine should not be prescribed for people taking Mefloquine, as there is an increased risk of convulsions. http://www.prodigy.nhs.uk/guidance.asp?g... “Despite the frequency of this problem, there is limited understanding and treatment for leg cramps. Supplemental Potassium or Calcium is not effective because electrolyte abnormalities do not cause nocturnal leg cramps. Magnesium is only helpful in pregnancy. Bananas do not help. Hydration does not help this kind of muscle cramp.” “Quinine is one of the few treatments shown to help reduce nocturnal cramps. Quinine is found in low concentrations in tonic water (one-tenth of prescription dose). Drinking eight to 16 ounces at night can be a simple remedy. Quinine is available in a stronger dose by prescription. Quinine is considered safe when used at low doses. Quinine can interact with medications including digoxin and Warfarin (Coumadin). It should be avoided if you are pregnant or have kidney, liver or heart disease. Quinine can cause rare side effects including tinnitus (ringing of the ears), visual changes, vertigo, nausea, decreased platelets (needed for clotting), and heart arrhythmias. Potential interactions and side effects prompted the FDA to remove it as an over-the-counter treatment in 1995. Other treatments that may be helpful but have not been studied extensively include: the muscle relaxant, Orphenadrine (Norflex), the anti-seizure medicine, Gabapentin (Neurontin), and the blood pressure medicine, Verapamil. Vitamin b-Complex may be helpful. Vitamin E is often recommended but studies show that it may not be helpful. It is important to differentiate leg pain from cramps. Neuropathy (nerve damage), sciatica, as well as clogged arteries in the leg (vascular disease) can cause leg pain. These types of pain, tend to occur throughout the day and not just at night. Vascular disease also causes cramping with walking. In vascular disease, nighttime pain is relieved with hanging the foot over the bed so that gravity draws more blood into the feet. Poor circulation also causes poor healing that results in persistent sores (ulcers). Leg cramps that occur at rest may have a different cause and treatment than cramps associated with activity. Nocturnal leg cramps must be distinguished from restless leg syndrome, which is a crawling, uncomfortable sensation that forces you to get up and move the legs.” http://www.healthcaresouth.com/pages/ask... “Stopping a cramp If you do get a cramp, you can usually stop it quickly by flexing your foot toward your knees. Hold the position until you feel the cramp subside, then massage the muscles for a moment. You may also find it helpful to take 25–50 milligrams of over-the-counter Benadryl. Finally, don’t let leg cramps deprive you of much needed sleep. If the problem persists, talk to your healthcare provider. He or she may prescribe a sleep Aid.” http://www.sjmed.com/scripts/library/art... I like this web site’s approach. Track down what you think is causing your cramps, and try to find the best cure of all the posted recommendations. You really don’t need supplements, so save your money.: “As we get older, circulation to the legs diminishes, making it likely that something bad will happen to muscles not getting enough blood. After that, things get pretty fuzzy. Some say it's not enough exercise during the day, while others say muscles that have been fatigued by activity are more likely to involuntarily contract during the night. Other possible causes include lack of sodium, dehydration, alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco use, too much sugar in the diet, pinched nerves, prolonged sitting, flat feet, certain medications, and less commonly, diseases like diabetes, anemia, and hypoglycemia. It can't be all of those things, so you might try making a list and checking off the least likely suspects. Then take action on the others one at a time. That may be the only way to isolate or identify the problem.” “Again, there are no guarantees, but there are ways to at least reduce the probability of getting leg cramps at night. The one stretch recommended by almost every doctor and physical therapist is the "Calf Stretch" or "Wall Stretch." Stand 2-3 feet from a wall, feet parallel to each other, and hands on the wall at head height or above. Keep your feet flat on the floor and lean forward until you feel a stretch - not to the point of pain - in your calves. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat at least once, maybe twice. Make this stretch part of your daily routine -- once in the morning, once late in the afternoon, and one more time before you go to bed. Vary the exercise by doing a "wall pushup" from the same position. Other measures that may or may not prevent cramps include doing a better job of staying well-hydrated (six to eight glasses of water or sports drinks per day), wearing shoes that provide better support and cushioning, taking Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, or sodium supplements, or using prescription muscle relaxants at night. Before you experiment with supplements, talk to a physician who knows something about nutrition and sports medicine - and don't assume that they all do -- or a registered dietician who has experience working with athletes and exercisers. Sorry we can't give you an exact answer to the nighttime leg cramp dilemma, but it just doesn't exist. What causes the problem in one person may not cause it in another. The same goes for effective ways to treat and prevent cramps. But at least you now have a working list of causes, treatment options, and prevention measures to consider. Good luck in finding the combination that works for you.” http://www.golfweb.com/story/7264790... Exercises for leg cramps http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/2306879... Limptar ======== Limptar is a German combination drug, consisting of Quinine sulphate and Aminophylline. (Very strange name, wouldn’t you say?). You can ask your doctor if this medication may work for you. http://translate.google.com/translate?hl... “Organic causes for nocturnal or recumbency leg cramps as venous, arterial, statical, nervous, rheumatical and metabolic diseases such as tetany, diabetes and gout must be excluded. This means also electrolyte disturbances during a medical treatment, for example with diuretics. In addition there is a very high portion of idiopathic cramps. In 22 patients with nocturnal leg cramps a four week double blind study with a combination of Quinine sulphate and Aminophylline (Limptar) was started. Unequivocally, Limptar significantly reduced the number and the intensity of nocturnal or recumbency leg cramps. There was no influence on angiological and biochemical parameters. Side effects appeared very seldom.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query... “Muscle spasms are diagnosed by the presence of tight or hard muscles that are very tender to the touch. There are no imaging studies or blood tests that can diagnose this condition. If the spasm is caused by nerve irritation, such as in the back, an MRI may be helpful to determine the cause of the irritation. Treatment At the first sign of a muscle spasm, stop your activity and try stretching and massaging the affected muscle. Heat will relax the muscle at first, although ice may be helpful after the initial spasm and pain has improved. If the muscle continues to be sore, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help with pain. In more severe cases, your health care provider may prescribe anti-spasm medications. After initial treatment, the cause of the spasm should be determined to prevent it from recurring. If an irritated nerve is involved, physical therapy or even surgery may be necessary. The most common cause of muscle cramps associated with sports activity is dehydration. Often, rehydration with water or sports drinks will resolve the cramping.” http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/... “Rub for relief. A little kneading may be all you need to pull in the reins on a charley horse. Always rub with the muscle, not across it. So for a charley horse in your calf, start behind the knee and rub toward the heel.” Leg Cramps or Charley Horse: What's the Difference? ==============================... When your calf tightens up and the ache begins, you probably don't waste time wondering whether it's a leg cramp or a charley horse. But there is a difference. Leg cramps, especially in the elderly, often result when not enough blood gets to the muscles. A charley horse is likely to be caused by too much blood getting to the muscle (though there may be other causes as well). Also, cramps and charley horses attack in different ways. "Leg cramps usually occur while you're walking and will come more gradually, building as you use the muscle more," says Steven Subotnick, D.P.M., a sports podiatrist in Hayward, California, and author of Sports and Exercise Injuries. "After a rest, the cramps will usually go away." A charley horse, on the other hand, "comes more suddenly and isn't necessarily related to physical activity or using the muscle," says Dr. Subotnick. So if you're just lying in bed and you suddenly feel that telltale tightening in your calf, it's probably a charley horse rather than a cramp. “Let gravity help. As with any type of leg cramp, encouraging blood flow away from the limbs and toward the heart can bring quicker relief and less throbbing. "Elevate the area you're rubbing, so gravity works with you," suggests Ed Moore, the massage therapist for the 1984 U.S. Olympic Cycling Team.” http://www.mothernature.com/library/book... TENS ==== You may ask your doctor about a TENS machine. This falls under the category of alternative medicine, but I have read some good things about it’s efficacy. Note: Not to be used with a heart pacemaker. “Electrical nerve stimulation, also called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), is a noninvasive, drug-free pain management technique. By sending electrical signals to underlying nerves, the battery-powered TENS device can relieve a wide range of chronic and acute pain.” “The TENS device is a small battery-powered stimulator that produces low-intensity electrical signals through electrodes on or near a painful area, producing a tingling sensation that reduces pain. There is no dosage limitation, and the patient controls the amount of pain relief. Some experts believe TENS works by blocking pain signals in the spinal cord, or by delivering electrical impulses to underlying nerve fibers that lessen the experience of pain. Others suspect that the electrical stimulation triggers the release of natural painkillers in the body. Patients can rent a TENS unit before buying one, to see if it is effective against their pain.” http://www.chclibrary.org/micromed/00046... More information on TENS units: “TENS machines seem to be a popular option for people who have pain, especially for people with persistent (chronic) pain. However, research trials that have studied the use of TENS machines have provided conflicting results as to how well they work, and how much pain relief they give. Some conclude that they are not effective. Others conclude that they seem to help some people. Further research is needed to clarify their role and effect. However, TENS machines seem to be popular for various painful conditions. Their popularity would imply that they may well have some effect to reduce pain. However, the amount that the pain is eased is likely to vary from person to person with the same condition.” http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/2306906... I’d try to eat a more balanced diet than spend money on supplements. Here is a site with foods high in Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium. Please see your doctor for a diagnosis and what you should take based on your medical history. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/prevent/fac... When searching for accurate medical advice online, please consider reliable medical sites. While some sites that sell supplements may offer some good advice, remember they are biased towards making a profit. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Josh	stretch and massage your leg. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

docm	My suggestion would be Magnesium (Calcium-Magnesium) supplements. Also, try drinking warm water with 2 teaspoons of unsulphured black strap molasses, twice a day. Molasses is replete with minerals. Also ask yourself why you are afraid to move forward in your life right now. It can be stress related. Doc M Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Gabs	You could try wearing light support tights during the day, that could reduce the leg cramps. As well a hot bath could help relax the muscles. If that doesn't work you might want to considering consulting with your GP. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

ascendent2	Yes I suffered for years. When I was a kid my mom used a warm bottle of water on my legs. Worked great till the bottles went cold. Heating pad would have been better. lol Now that I am older and wiser I have realized my electrolytes were off. So 1 banana and a glass of Gatorade does it now. Drink 20 min. before bed and see what happens. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

batigol_987	Try drinking isotonic drinks, if that does not work consult your doctor. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Laurie love	Drink lots of milk and eat banana's, it will up your Calcium and Potassium levels, and reduce your leg cramps. Also if you do happen to get a leg cramp, take some Advil(not Tylenol) it will take about 20 min to work, but it will work all night long. Good Luck Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

missmurder	well it seems like you're doing all the right stuff so far: Potassium, iron and drinking water...there are some pills OTC called: Leg Cramps (that is pretty self-explanatory), and might help. Try using socks at night, if you don't already, it might be cold and sends the chill through your legs and that's why they stiff up... Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Keko	Take a couple swigs of molasses for fastest relief Much pain is from muscles below is an example of what may help (based on headaches). Begin with a couple swigs of molasses or a couple of bananas (natural muscle relaxers) daily - Magnesium (which regulates many things in the body) and Potassium (a needed building block for muscles). Drink at least 1/2 gallons of water per day. Running a body low on water is like running a car low on oil is the analogy the head of neurology at UCDavis told my husband about 10 years ago. Now to the cause - muscles - your back, neck shoulders and head have tender spots. They are knots in the fibers of the muscles called trigger points. It makes the muscles tight which makes them press on nerves and other things causing the pain. The cure - start with a professional massage, (if this does not do it you probably need a chiropractor as well) you will also want to go back over any place you can get to 6-12 times per session up to 6 times per day rubbing (or lightly scratching on your head) every where that is tender until the knots go away. The place where the skull connects to the spine press up under the edge of the skull (to get to those muscles). For more information read The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies. It teaches what to do and where the pain comes from. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Dr Frank	It would be important to know your age, your medical history, smoking history and medication history before giving any direct advise. Also it would be nice to know the duration of your symptoms. On balance I suggest you re-post your question with more information or see your GP, or both. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Daniel B	try A) Quinine or if you can't get it....B) tonic water....I always put a little gin in myself. It has enough Quinine in it to do the same. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Darth Ramius	Dip them in Nitrogen then you will never have to worry about them again. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

lloyd coats	When you get cramp in your legs sit down on your floor and push your tow feet against a wall in ur house. It dose work becouse i used to get it all the time. from doctor coats Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

CHRIS	My life partner has leg cramps and he uses Baclofen. Where it is a prescription medicine, you will want to ask your family doctor about this one. I am certain there are other, alternative medicine kinds of approache to this issue, but the Baclofen works very well, and it works virtually on the spot, within just a little while. You simply take one pill, and that takes care of the problem for the rest of the evening, and it has no unpleasant side effects, which is nice. I used to occasionally get leg cramps when riding my 12-speed bicycle, and I used to be able to get Quinine, in bottles much like club soda, and I believe I also was able to get it in tablet form and that would help immediately, but I do not believe Quinine is available now to the public in tablet form. I hope this helps you to get a handle on your issue. From Chris in South Portland, Maine, U.S.A. (I am 63 years old. We older folks need to have answers to things like this!) Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

chachacha345	a lot of times leg cramps come from a lack of Calcium, so try to drink more milk and eat more dairy or take some Calcium supplements, and that should go away. I hope you find a solution, those can be so painful! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Faerie loue	Something is causing you not to absorb the Potassium I think you should add some Calcium supplement check with your Doctor, a blood test will tell the story. Never add a bunch of minerals to your diet! They need to be in harmony or one will completely wipe out the other! It is a delicate balance and only the simplest additives should be used without the help of a nutritionist who is certified. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

huggz	Try drinking a large glass of tonic water before bed. It contains Quinine which is very useful in reducing night time cramps. I use it and it works well for me. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No