Leg cramps back

[granofthewest]

Good morning everyone, about a year ago I asked for advice about nightly leg cramps and took the suggestion offered of taking daily magnesium which worked. I'm still taking one 250g tablet a day with evening meal but now I've tapered down to 2mg pred a day the leg cramps are back each night. The magnesium tablet advice is only to take one a day and not to exceed stated dose. I use magnesium spray topically when I get woken up, but wonder if that's all I can do. I have trouble sleeping usually and waking each night with cramp isn't helping.

[123-go]

I'm sorry to hear you're still suffering. Leg cramps are caused by shortening of the calf muscles, as I understand, and gentle exercises to stretch those muscles may help; have a look online. If you you do these religiously daily and especially before bed you may find some relief. Keeping hydrated is important, especially in this very warm weather. Sometimes we forget to drink water (I know I do) and need a reminder. If you have a timer set it to go off every couple of hours. Another suggestion is to gently massage your calves to increase blood flow.If none of this helps, I would advise getting in touch with your GP. Good luck.

[Mary63]

I have read that you can take between 350mg and 500mg magnesium daily. You are probably having more than 250 anyway as you are topping up with the magnesium spray.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

At this stage it COULD be the low pred dose and adrenal function not having caught up that is the culprit. Do you use salt on/in your food? That also has a role to play in muscle cramps. In terms of magnesium, you probably can take more, especially eating high magnesium foods. And Epsom salt footbaths before bed might help.

[granofthewest]

Thanks for all the helpful comments, keeping hydrated is something I must do with this hot weather. I do put salt in my cooking and add it to things like boiled eggs, tomatoes and salad veg so should be getting enough. I don't always get cramp in my calf muscles, lately it's been on the outside of my shins, between my ankle and my knee. Will get some Epsom salts too and try a foot bath.

[piglette]

Quinine sulphate works like a treat.

[Canarylady]

Hi there,I get cramp in my toes!

Does anyone else?

Sometimes just putting on my shoes sets it off.

[Pixix in reply to Canarylady]

Yes, they bend and lock!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Canarylady]

I did pre-pred - my middle toes would curl downwards, it was horrible!

[Pixix]

Stretching exercises before bed recommended by doctor, think they are on the web if you Google!