Cramp ??

[Rish]

Hi I was just wondering if any of you rls sufferers get really bad cramp??

Since my legs have got worse I get terrible cramp in my legs, feet back and chest its awful

Hoping everyone is keeping well

Rish x

[SusieL]

I get cramp in my legs quite badly but I never connected it with rls until now. I try to stretch before going to bed and always stretch with my feet at right angles and never with pointed toes but I still get it. I don't get it in any other part of my body though. Its an interesting point, what does your gp say about any connection with rls?

Susie

[Hidden]

Alot of people do get cramp with the RLS, which is why many doctors used to just think you had cramps before they knew more about RLS.

Luckily for me, i dont get them, but i do know people who use magnesium for the cramps, but beware when using it, as it can over activate your bowel, try a very small dose first.

[longbow]

Both magnesium and quinine are good for cramp. Magnesium in the form of Epsom Salts should not be ingested. Use approx 300 grams in a bath of warm water and soak for approx 20 minutes. Don't buy it from pharmacies as it is too expensive. Get horticultural grade from garden centres. Quinine can only be prescribed. I find that 3 or 4 baths keep me cramp free for months. Longbow.

[Casimira]

Tonic water is good for cramp as it contains quinine, not the low-cal version though. You can buy magnesium oil in a spray which helps if you get cramp.

[palomino]

Yes I suffer with leg cramps and in my toes. Also get really bad pins and needles in hands and arms. Suffer with fibromyalgia too, so don't know if cramp and pin and needles is associated with that rather than RLS.

[Tillytop]

Hello Rish - sorry you are struggling with such bad cramp - it must be awful for you.

I am lucky in that I don't get cramp with my rls but my Mum does get severe leg cramps, which at times has her literally screaming in pain and it leaves her legs bruised afterwards from the muscle contractions.

Quinine tablets helped her to some extent, as did magnesium, but the only thing which really helps when the cramp gets going is Rivotril (Clonazepam) which I understand is usually used as an anti-convulsant. I understand from my Mum that Rivotril is not licensed for RLS but GPs can prescribe it if it is recommended by a neurologist.

Really hope you can find something which helps you Rish.

Tillyx