Leg Cramps: What can I do about leg cramps? - Kidney Dialysis

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Leg Cramps

YollyD_NKF profile image
8 Replies

What can I do about leg cramps?

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YollyD_NKF
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8 Replies

I'd cut back to running only one marathon per week. Any more will cause severe leg cramps.

Seriously, I've read that if magnesium is too low it can cause leg cramps. What was your level of magnesium on your last lab values?

coaching profile image
coaching

Drink Tonic water by schwepps or put or few grains of salt under your tongue and let it slowly dissolve.

LadyLuv profile image
LadyLuv

Drink more water. I do PD and I am supposed to drink 32 oz a day but I drink more than that. Also, every time you get cramps, eat a LITTLE salt, but drink water. It is just your body telling you that it needs water.....

I concur with all of the previous replies. My husbands leg cramps were a tell tale sign of electrolyte depletion, mostly brought in by too much fluid being pulled or dehydration. A low salt broth should help, also Gatorade may help as well. But the advice if the previous responses are correct.

KidneyCoach profile image
KidneyCoachNKF Ambassador

Generally if you're on dialysis and get leg cramps while doing treatment it may be due to removing too much fluid in too short of a time period. Try to cut back on salt intake and limit processed foods as well as cut back on fluid intake. Most home hemo patients have fewer fluid and food limitations as they do treatments more often or for longer periods of time or both which mimic normal kidneys. A bit of pickle juice or tonic water (with quinine) may help resolve issue in a short amount of time. Hope this helps. Blessings

cs65 profile image
cs65NKF Ambassador

If it happens during dialysis, have the tech wrap your leg in a warm blanket and push against them with your flat foot. Sometimes they have to take you down to minimum for a awhile. If it happens during the night, drink some more water and walk around some.

LoisDuncan profile image
LoisDuncan

Leg cramps occur when you're dry weight changes also so communicate with the nurses and Dr.

YollyD_NKF profile image
YollyD_NKF

Thank you everyone for all the great suggestions!

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