Night Time Cramp

[Caran]

I keep waking in the night with the most horrendous cramp in my feet and legs.
The pain is unbearable. It takes quite a while before it goes.
Has anyone any idea if there is anything I can take to help this situation?

[petal54]

I had similar probs,ended up with meds from doc.have you tried 'deepheat' or the like?

[tonyav]

Caran, are you on statins because they can cause cramps.

[Caran]

No Tony not on statins, didn't like the side effects.
Not tried deep heat, is it any good?

[petal54]

may help,can't do any harm.these thing are so annoying aren't they,bad enough in the day!

[DaisyNonna]

Sounds odd but try drinking tonic water during the day.
Works for me, used to suffer night cramp.
Doctor suggested quinine tablets (did not want more tablets) so thought I would try tonic water.

[Buenchico]

As leg/foot cramps can be caused by such things as liver disease, it might be best to get a health check from a GP:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/legcrampsunknowncause/Pages/Causes.aspx

However if there's no known cause then exercises three times per day might help:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/legcrampsunknowncause/Pages/Treatment.aspx

[bunkmoreland]

Been there Caran, for me,the basic cause was dehydration big time. If you are taking water reducing tablets,they are a massive problem! If you are not drinking enough water throughout the day,especially during hot weather,you will probably have cramps :-( Once you get that initial pain..jump out of bed and just start walking up and down your room!

[mikey4444]

Caran...be careful of Deep Heat ! Its got oil of wintergreen in it and it will be very warming. There is a blue gel, by the same maker, that will numb our legs, instead of heat them up. It comes in a aerosol as well. I have a recurring knee injury, and I use that.

But statins would have been my first thought. Paracetamol before you go to bed will help, but if its chronic, I would see the Doctor.

[naomi24]

Crampex tablets. Buy them over the counter at the chemist. They work very quickly.

[david small]

My wife and I get this infrequently. Vitamins one of each. Zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Take together for two to three days. Works for us every time.

[murraymints]

quinine tablets...not enough in tonic water to make much difference..but tabs seem to help

[Dee Sa]

I used to take Quinine but was advised not to take them long term, water is the answer drink plenty of water during the day and before bed. but .... this causes you to get up in the night to use the bathroom once or twice but that's not as bad as getting the cramp.