Had CC anyone used quinine for calf/toe cramping?... - PMRGCAuk

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Had CC anyone used quinine for calf/toe cramping? Thanks. Jerry

jer3jen profile image
21 Replies

Has anyone used quinine for calf/toe cramping?

Thanks

Jerry

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jer3jen
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21 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

I believe there have been people who have used it in the past but doctors are reluctant to prescribe it nowadays. The quinine in tonic water is nowhere near enough. Magnesium is probably more useful and effective - whether as supplements or as foot baths or sprays.

jer3jen profile image
jer3jen in reply to PMRpro

Thanks for your quick valuable advice

Jerry

granofthewest profile image
granofthewest

Hi, I had cramps in toes and legs every night but members recommended magnesium. Much better since taking regularly.

jer3jen profile image
jer3jen in reply to granofthewest

Thank you

Jerry

jer3jen profile image
jer3jen in reply to granofthewest

Do you take tablets.? Have you topical crime or lotion?

granofthewest profile image
granofthewest in reply to jer3jen

Used topical spray first, but if I waited to apply when cramp started I still woke every night. Then tried tablets which work for me. Hope your cramp sorted, so painful.

jer3jen profile image
jer3jen

Thank you

Jerry

piglette profile image
piglette

Yes, I use quinine sulphate, as PMRPro says doctors are none too keen to prescribe it, but mine still do. It is brilliant, works like a charm. My mother used to use it for cramp although she did not have PMR.

I find that magnesium helps to alleviate that and also restless leg syndrome. The quinine in tonic does not help me.

Slowdown profile image
Slowdown

Magnesium lotion is effective and you can massage it in where you need it. I don't use it every night but if I wake with a 'fizzy foot' or leg aches, I use the lotion. Either that or I put some magnesium salts into a bowl with very warm water, stick my feet in and read!

Pixix profile image
Pixix

My father suffered, & he took a quinine tablet every night. But doctors became reluctant to prescribe, I don’t remember why. So he used to do stretching exercises before bedtime instead. The stretches worked very well, hope you find your solution!

Bcol profile image
Bcol

My OH used to take quinine tablets for calf cramp, prescribed by doctor. They worked very well. Doesn't need them at moment.

Suuha profile image
Suuha

I’ve been taking it for years, prescribed by my doctor. When I have stopped taking it I get cramp overnight so am resigned to taking it.

prospecter7 profile image
prospecter7

Not all Tonic Warner has Quinine. You have to check the ingredients. It helps me.

Suffererc profile image
Suffererc

What is CC? Is it calf/toe cramping ? Please

Suffererc profile image
Suffererc

My daughter then aged 7 was told to drink bitter lemon by our GP. Only to find out 2 years later she had a Brodies abcess

Purplecrow profile image
Purplecrow

I have found that a product called "Biofreeze" works instantly and all nite. It comes in both cream and spray. I prefer spray.

There is an over counter homeopathic remedy that works well also...just google for the name.

I also use a magnesium supplement in my vitamin mineral mix.

Quinine used to be my treatment, but I now prefer topical remedies, since I take pred and other oral drugs.

I find my cramps relate to my level of hydration. I suspect my salt consumption has a lot to answer for in that if I eat crisps, sushi or Chinese food I suffer at night.

Sadly if I drink enough water to keep cramp at bay I have to pee two or three times a night!

However I do take magnesium biglycinate and have a mag spray. (Do beware of taking mag citrate as this will give you the runs and further deplete fluid levels!)

This combo just about keeps me cramp free!

Good luck!

Pippah45 profile image
Pippah45

I suffered cramps for many years and remember a doctor telling me to take salt every day back in the 80s. Since taking a Magnesium supplement I have had no problems. I have also used magnesium gels which worked a little. Lots of people I know swear by magnesium in baths.

war40birth profile image
war40birth

My husband drinks a glass of tonic water every day, (it contains quinine), and it does the trick for him.

Trulyscrumpious profile image
Trulyscrumpious

My GP has happily prescribed quinine for years. When l was able to go for long walks the lactose build up gave me horrendous cramps in thigh and groin, from which l usually passed out, so perhaps that’s why he kept it on. I still take it but do wonder if it helps as l still get night cramps periodically. I find a magnesium spray together with a freeze spray ( as used by athletes) is quite good.

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