Severe Cramp solution

[Ladysmith64]

Hi all recently I have developed acute episodes of cramp in both legs particularly when lying in bed. Having been diagnosed as A/F 9years ago and 4ablations and p/m 2years ago concede that circulation issues are the problem. Having come to terms and indeed beginning to feel “have regained my mojo” finding cramp, on a level, never experienced during many years of Sport is robbing me of control of my life and a major setback. Is there anyone out there can offer suggestions to at least minimise the affect?

[BobD Volunteer]

Magnesium supplement pills and also magnesium oil or spray on calf muscles. I went through a period of really nasty cramps whilst driving which on one occasion saw me doing some strange tribal dance in a bus layby in Milton Keynes. I found the Mg oil/cream helped a lot. Doesn't happen often but I always have some in my snatch bag for emergency trips.

[LordGabriel]

OMG I have awful cramps, both legs, upper and calf’s, feet and hands. Total nightmare... always when in bed.

I’m trying magnesium for the moment .... although I worry cos it says on the box it can cause irregular heartbeat....

Honestly though I could cry when I get the cramp... it hurts so much. My sympathy is with you!

[secondtry]

As Bob says go for magnesium. I don't get cramp any more but used to get it, once in both legs at the same time in a Swimming Pool and embarrassingly the Lifeguard came over to see if I was alright as I hauled myself out yelping with two rigid legs!

[philologus]

Hello from a fellow sufferer.

Magnesium oil rubbed into the big muscles helps me.

I was in agony until I discovered this.

I think the massage that the muscles get as I rub the oil in helps too.

[MarkS]

I've had cramp whilst swimming and in bed. I think it's a postural problem, stretching my toes out whilst swimming can cause my feet to get cramped and stretching in bed causes my calves to get cramped. I have overcome the latter by pulling my toes towards my head whilst stretching. Also having my knees together whilst on my side can restrict blood flow. This is helped by have some of the blanket/duvet between my knees as a cushion.

I had a varicose vein op a few weeks ago and that has improved my blood flow significantly in my legs. I haven't had any cramps since (though that my just be coincidence). I managed to climb one of the best though quite difficult mountains in Scotland a week ago which I'm very pleased about.

[Ianc2 in reply to MarkS]

What type of varicose vein op did you have?

[MarkS in reply to Ianc2]

EVLA, SEPPS and phlebectomies. They did an excellent job. I'm getting foam scleropathy on some surface veins in Feb to finish it off.

[Ianp66]

Magnesium supplements stopped my cramps.

[LindaDaisy]

I have a banana every day. When I miss it for a few days, my cramp comes back.

[engvey00]

You are not likely to believe this but I solved my cramp problem by just placing a cake of soap next to my knees. I have not had a single cramp in the 5 years I have been soaping. Any soap seems to work. I use Irish Spring because I like the smell. The wrapper on or off doesn't seem to matter. This is one that doesn't cost you anything to try.

[engvey00 in reply to engvey00]

That should have been...next to your knees in your bed..

[CDreamer]

You have to get to the underlying reason for the cramping in the first place but if you have AF it may be related to medications causing mineral depletion:-

Mineral depletion. Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in your diet can contribute to leg cramps. Diuretics — medications often prescribed for high blood pressure — also can deplete these minerals.

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

Using supplements will often help but best is eating healthy diet rich in minerals. I have muscle spasms caused by a medication I take for Myasthenia - for prevention I find I need to limit my activity and standing to prevent build up of lactose acid: to raise my legs when sitting: drink plenty of water - dehydration is another cause: eat mineral rich diet. I also take a mineral rich bath once a week - I use Sea Salts or even better, sea immersion/swim. If I still get spasms then I have a Magnesium spray to hand and I use a warm pad (hot water bottle) and that seems to relieve all symptoms.

[Ianc2 in reply to CDreamer]

I believe Epsom salts work as well?

[CDreamer in reply to Ianc2]

Yep but it’s too strong for me.

[Ianc2 in reply to CDreamer]

I bought it to rot down tree stumps...

[CDreamer in reply to Ianc2]

😂😩

[Maggimunro]

Hi there

I found my severe leg cramps practically disappeared after I started taking magnesium supplements at night and having a spoonful of blackstrap molasses in warm water with a squeeze of lemon every morning. Molasses has a high concentration of natural magnesium.