Cramp ?

[whistonian]

Last night i suffered horrendous cramp(I think) in my lower legs 3 times in my right leg and twice in my left. All were identical at different times of the night. Each time it started like severe toothache from the calf down to my toes. The outside of each leg was very painful.Walking around the bedroom got rid of it each time.Why would I get this so many times and identically in each leg.I am 81 years old. Also was this cramp or something more serious.

[rockyracoon]

I get cramp nearly everyday in my feet, both at the same time on occassion. Sometimes on the top, sometimes the toes and it hurts like a b....

I've never had satisfactory answer about why it happens except that I have flat feet.

[murraymints]

sounds like cramp..poor circulation usually....perhaps compression stockings in bed would help ??

[murraymints]

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/legcrampsunknowncause/Pages/Introduction.aspx

[mallyh]

I am diabetic type 2 and get cramp quite often ugh!

[Sqad]

\\\\Also was this cramp or something more serious.\\\
Almost certainly cramp.
Are you on any medication? e.g thyroid replacement.

[whistonian]

Thank you all for your replies.
Squad, no medication for Thyroid,just the usual HBP, Cholestoral & Gout tablets.

[Sqad]

O.K thanks. If this was of recent onset, then monitor the situation.

[woofgang]

I find calmagzinc tablets or liquid help when I get spates of cramp.

[naomi24]

I used to buy Crampex tablets – marvellous – but they’re not available now. The health food shop recommended one-a-day Magnesium tablets (250mg). They seem to be working.

[jackthehat]

Are you on Statins for your cholesterol issues?

That'd be first on my 'suspects-list', if you are.

[whistonian]

jackthehat, yes I take one Simvastatin 5mg nightly.However I have been on these for years.

[jackthehat]

Have a look at this.......
It might be worth mentioning to your GP.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23858814

[ladybirder]

I sometimes get cramps in my lower legs when in bed. However, if I point my toes upwards, towards my leg, as if I'm trying to touch my shin with my toes, it stops the cramps immediately. Try it, I'd love to know whether this works for you or if it's just one of my peculiarities (I've got lots).
;-)).

[naomi24]

Me too - but not that one. ;o)

It doesn't work for me.

[whistonian]

jackthehat, Thanks for that link I will have a word with my doctor about it.

[grasscarp]

I keep a bottle of water in bedroom. I found drinking some water to get rid of cramp quicker and easier than trying to walk on it/rub it etc

[rockyracoon]

Naomi, how long have you been taking the magnesium for? I need something for my foot cramps.

[ladybirder]

LOL Naomi. Shame.

[naomi24]

rockyracoon, only a few weeks.

Ladybirder, ;o)

[bunkmoreland]

I have suffered big time from leg cramps etc in the past. Most times it has been through lack of hydration. You need to drink a lot more water ! Such a big difference:-)