Muscle cramps/pain

[luckyeight]

Every morning I wake up with terrible cramps in my calf muscles and it doesn't really go away as the day wears on. Can anyone think of any possible reason for this and also possible remedies?
I dont think it's my mattress as it's not old and it's good quality. A friend recommended that I eat bananas for potassium and this does actually make a difference. Is it likely that the cause of this problem is a potassium deficiency? It just seems odd that this has started suddenly and so emphatically, when there have been no significant changes to my diet...

[smiffy65]

you are dehydrated drink plenty of water,at least 2ltrs aday,and I am sure it the cramps will stop

[buzybee]

drink tonic water with quinine in it! or you can buy quinine tabs in the chemist!

[lindapinda]

Water definetely helps,cos dehydration will bring on cramps.You also need a certain level of salt in your diet,so,dont try to cut down too much.I appreciate your problem lucky,cos its soo painful.

[luckyeight]

Thanks all for answers.. much appreciated. Funny thing is I drink loads of water, so can't understand why I'm dehydrated! Will definitely try the quinnine thing too.

[lindapinda]

Too much caffiene is a reason too..I have found that black coffee is a def no no...and rich chocalate sauce etc

[Goodsoulette]

quinine can help in some cases but there isnt enough in plain old tonic water, you would have to get them from the docs. It might also be that you are overhydrated, so maybe some electrolyte powders might benefit you. The banana thing is a proven help, you have to eat it a good one to two hours before you hit the sack though.

I find I get it when the seasons change more. Also after a heavy night out.

[lady_p_gold]

Try sleeping with your feet raised up a little on a pillow that can help.

[idalovett]

I think you should see a doctor because any pains in the lower legs can be a sign of a blood pressure problem as I found out myself.

[partyanimal]

About six months ago i too started having cramps in the mornings along with a splitting headache and other things. I'm not suggesting that you have the same thing as me but i was diagnosed with an over-active thyroid.
A simple blood test will confirm one way or another.
I dont think it affects young people as much as us older ones.
good luck.

[moonshadow]

I have had the same symptoms and tried all the cures such as bananas etc. with no result.Then I met a Polish Pharmacist and she thought it could be a lack of magnesium and after a change in diet and magnesium tablets I have been free of cramp for over a month.Might be worth a try, hope it works for you.