Cramp plus update

[Purplegloss]

Hi everyone- just thought I would do an update on where I am at the moment. For the first time ever I am on my way down from 3mg to 2 and three quarter mg , never made it this far before without a flare. Very happy about that.

I have also gradually stopped using Lansoprazole after 6.5 years. I went down from 30mg to 15mg about two years ago with no problem, and as I had never had any stomach problems anyway I decided to get off the Lansoprazole gradually over a six week period, seems to be absolutely no problem at all after five weeks. Just taking pred, vitamin D and K2 at the moment, with no other meds at all. I have no idea whether stopping Lansoprazole has an effect on my eye pressures or not-I have glaucoma, but when I got them checked last week, pressures were both 12, which has never happened before, usually about 16ish.

The one thing I am having a bit of a problem with is cramp at night when in bed. Sometimes both my big toes just fold over and stay in a cramp, which is very painful, and I have to walk it off, and sometimes both calves go into cramp. The other type of cramp I get is strangely at the front of my legs just above my ankles, all of which really hurt. Apart from that I feel really well, and walk every day for at least half an hour. I know you can take magnesium for cramp, but I don't want the sort that is for constipation, as that isn't a problem. maybe I need to drink more, or perhaps it is a lack of salt like the tennis players. Advise please, and many thanks.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Try an Epsom salts bath - or just put feet in a bowl before bed... there are magnesium sprays or creams you can use just before bed... which don't give the unwanted side effects. I'm just trying one with lavender at the moment .

..and yes it may be lack of fluids - especially in hot weather..

[Purplegloss in reply to DorsetLady]

Where do you get your sprays from, as our local chemist don't seem to sell them.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Purplegloss]

The ubiquitous online retailer beginning with A… 😊… although having a quick look - Superdrug, Holland & Barrett do, and even Sainsbury’s [might need a bigger store though]… and many smaller ‘health type’ outlets seem to, although they would probably be more expensive.

this lotion from H&B on offer - might be worth trying -hollandandbarrett.com/shop/...

[Purplegloss in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks. I have just ordered it from H and B arrives tomorrow.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You can absorb it with topical magnesium as DL explains. The laxative effect tends to be if you take too much for most people.

Other electrolytes can contribute to cramp if they are out of kilter and sweating a lot in the warm weather may lead to that. Make sure you keep your salt intake up - electrolyte replacement sports drinks are useful for that,

[Charlie1boy]

Well, I can certainly sympathise about your cramps. What you describe is almost exactly what I xperience. After various experiments, I have settled on a magnesium spray, which my lovely wife rubs into my big toe joints and ankle at night; it seems to be working.

And yes, I am very lucky to have such an understanding wife. 😊.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Charlie1boy]

Surely all wives are understanding 😊…

[Charlie1boy in reply to DorsetLady]

I’m sure lots are, but ………!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Charlie1boy]

.. none taken ..🤣😂

[Claremont2023]

Hi. I get exactly the same cramps as you plus sometimes in the ankle joint. I have it right now & have come to the conclusion that it happens on the days I go for a walk. I have liquid magnesium that I rub into the skin & am also now trying Epsoms Salts.

[Purplegloss]

It seems quite a few of us have cramp, and currently I am taking one tablet at bedtime of Boots own magnesium, so far no cramp the last three nights. I have also bought the lavender liquid version that DorsetLady uses, which I will try as well at some point. Thanks everyone for your input.