Leg Cramps in the Morning

[pastafreak]

Once or twice a week I will get cramp when I stretch while still half asleep. Sometimes I can stop it by relaxing-but too often it is excruciating.
Some research has told me it could be due to several things-dehydration,or lack of Potassium/Magnesium/Sodium.
I admit I am not great at getting enough water in me,but I am often just not thirsty.
What should I do in order to lessen these attacks?

[LoftyLottie]

My recent thyroid tests were fine (one month ago).

[Sqad]

Then Lofty I can be of no further help.

[pastafreak]

Same here Sqad.

[LoftyLottie]

Been to that Website now Pasta. I take diuretics so being over 60 combined with that must be the answer for me. But it looks as if cramps as you get older are quite common. At over 80 it's 50% of people. I don't get them every night, but this week they have been quite bad. Might be because I spent too much time gardening at the weekend!!

[carlton23]

My GP put me on quinine 300mg tabs to take before going to bed and haven`t had cramps since.

[pastafreak]

I work 3 days per week...on my feet. Maybe that's a contributing factor. I think I will keep a record for a while-just to see how frequent they actually are.

And drink more water.

[Sqad]

Lofty...if you are taking diuretics then one would need to check your blood potassium levels.

[237SJ]

If you are on water tablets would it not follow that your electrolytes could be out? Eating foods rich in potatsium/magnesium could help. Bananas are ideal (if you can bear them)

[Sqad]

237SJ....;-)

[237SJ]

snap Sqad :-)

[pastafreak]

ahhhh...there just may be a clue there. I used to eat bananas regularly-then went off them. I haven't had one in quite a while.

[237SJ]

There are lots of other good sources of potassium though - dried apricots, tomatos, even potato. I loath bananas. I wish I liked them because they are such a good source of potassium etc and just about the only fruit you can eat that actually makes you feel full. You could always try eating a banana a day again and see if that helps.

[whiskeysheri]

Do you drink enough water, pasta? I always get cramp in my feet when I'm dehydrated after a night out. I also take potassium supplements, which help.

[dave50]

I used to get cramp in my legs when I stretched in bed, until I discovered that if I dont point my feet while stretching but keep the at right angles to my legs, I dont get cramp. Sounds strange i know but it works and I haven't had cramp for months.

[pastafreak]

That makes sense, Dave. Trouble is-it's hard not to point toes when you are half awake.

;-(

This is interesting...the top 10 sources of potassium-no bananas!

http://www.thedailygr...m-superfoods-47020908

[LoftyLottie]

Sqad, would the normal check ups for BP, blood tests etc. include checks for Potassium.

Perhaps I should eat Bananas - but I can't I hate them!! What else is high in potassium or should I take a supplement.

[LoftyLottie]

Sorry, just read through the thread again. Forget my question. I eat loads of tomatoes on a regular basis and even more than loads at the moment because we have a glut of them.

[RATTER15]

There you go LL :-) some nice stuff there as well :-)

http://www.thepotassiumrichfoods.com/

[LoftyLottie]

Thanks Ratter. I eat loads of the foots on that list, so I think I shall be OK.

[237SJ]

Just to add - people with any chronic renal problems should limit their potassium intake.