Wicked Leg Cramps...

I agree with those who have recommended a boost in potassium, and if you can get some quinine, that's good stuff. That's what Hockeygirl uses to keep her chronic leg cramps at bay. The other thing I would recommend would be to make sure you have very good walking shoes. That can make all the difference -- I'm talking from experience here.

 

no, my yellow lab, which is a dog that is big, he is about 120lbs

 

Good...because the whole eating soap thing would have been a bit strange.

 

yeah just a little

 

I hear people that SWEAR by it, but they always say IVORY

 

Yes, I wondered about that. Salt intake has definately gone down - but I'd rather go with the potassium route than increase it - at least at this stage.

Thanks HB - yes, I've got awesome shoes. I learned from previous mistakes on that one!

Thanks everyone - it'll be nice not waking three times a night to do a wild jig by the bed to stop me freaking legs from seizing up .

 

Yes please. I'm thinking that if the potassium doesn't work - and I don't want to increase my salt intake through normal means, then I could get the salt through the `increased sexual activity'.


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If you're only having this problem at night you may have restless leg syndrome (RLS). My mother-in-law has it. Read the following....

Characteristics of signs and symptoms
Common characteristics of RLS signs and symptoms include:

Starts during inactivity. The sensation typically begins while you're lying down or sitting for an extended period of time, such as in a car, airplane or movie theater.
Relief by movement. The sensation of RLS lessens if you get up and move. People combat the sensation of restless leg in a number of ways — by stretching, jiggling their legs, pacing the floor, exercising or walking. This compelling desire to move is what gives restless leg syndrome its name.
Worsening of symptoms in the evening. Symptoms typically are less bothersome during the day and are felt primarily at night.
Nighttime leg twitching. RLS may be associated with another condition called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). Once called myoclonus, PLMS causes you to involuntarily flex and extend your legs while sleeping — without being aware you're doing it. Hundreds of these twitching or kicking movements may occur throughout the night. If you have severe RLS, these involuntary kicking movements may also occur while you're awake. PLMS is common in older adults, even without RLS, and doesn't always disrupt sleep. More than four out of five people with RLS also experience PLMS.
Most people with RLS find it difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep. Insomnia may lead to excessive daytime drowsiness, but RLS may prevent you from enjoying a daytime nap.

Although RLS doesn't lead to other serious conditions, symptoms can range from bothersome to incapacitating. In fact, it's common for symptoms to fluctuate in severity, and occasionally symptoms disappear for periods of time.

RLS can develop at any age, even during childhood. Many adults who have RLS can recall being told as a child that they had growing pains or can remember parents rubbing their legs to help them fall asleep. The disorder is more common with increasing age.

 

It can be a great cardio-vascular workout.

 

Thanks for this - I really appreciated it .

I'll look into that possibility if the potassium thing doesn't work out. After reading that, I'm hoping it is just a lack of something and not RLS...which sounds bloody nasty .