CKD and dealing with leg cramps

[Alabamalady]

My husband has restless leg syndrome, but Also been diagnosed with stage 3 CKD.. Any recommendations to relieve the pain and cramps. He is unable to get a good nights sleep because of the pain.

[Annica]

I had some wicked leg cramps at night. My Dr. did blood test for potassium, prescribed potassium and told me to take 400-500 mg. of magnesium and 200mg or so of calcium every day. Worked like charm. Also muscles need water. Get tested for potassium, you don't want it high. Not good for the heart if you have too much. Until then do the magnesium & calcium. Once cramps are gone, I don't take potassium until I need to. But I do take magn. & calc. Vit D3 is good, since we don't get much sun right now.

Good luck

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Alabamalady, and thank you for your post. In addition to the helpful information Annica has posted, I would like to add that the following measures may also help relieve your husband's symptoms----

Massaging his legs

Taking a warm bath in the evening

Applying a hot or cold compress to his leg muscles

Do activities that distract the mind, such as reading

Relaxation exercises

Walking and stretching

Please ask your husband to discuss this with his GP as he may need to have a blood test and medication to treat this. Are any other members able to help Alabamalady, please?I hope this helps.

Thank you and best wishes.

[lowraind]

My doctor suggested drinking a glass of tonic water before bed. Also, I rub Penetrex on my legs before bed, and this helps much!

[panda22]

I take a quinine tablet at night I've done this for years. It stopped my horrendous cramps. See if your doctor will prescribe some for you to try.

[mercevo2]

I have the same but with a GFR of 29, to try and stop the cramps I take magnesium...one pill a week, .....and for a good nights sleep I take three quarters of a dropper full of Cannabis oil, under the tounge for 1 min then swallow, but you need 1 to 1....thats 1 CBD to one THC, antything less will not work, if it has low or no THC it will not work.