Leg cramps getting worse

[Padma]

I need to get this checked out. It's not like fierce cramps where muscles lock right up, it's my back-of-thigh muscles (and sometimes my calves too) that get really tight and uncomfortable in the evenings and at night, alongside of restless legs. I've tried everything I can do unmediated - exercise, magnesium, molasses (internally, not externally!) but it's getting a bit relentless. It got worse as soon as I went on hormones and then tabled out, but now it's worse again.

[Brooke777]

I'm sorry to hear this. I hope they are able to figure out what is wrong.

[big kim]

Get well soon,it's unlikely to be anything major or  they would have sent you for a scan.I had a suspected DVT which was my cellulitis playing up.On diuretic pills and support bandage now.

[Padma]

I'm getting a checkup tomorrow. I just don't want to be prescribed quinine for it, as the last time I took that I basically went insane for two weeks. And no, it lacked enjoyment. It's pretty weird, I get aches deep in the big muscles, and the urge to dig my knuckles into them (which sometimes helps). Dancing can help too, before I go to bed, so I'll be doing that soon as they're bad tonight (no peeking).

[Devlyn]

Molasses? That brings back bad memories. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Molasses_Disaster

[Sarah Louise]

As bad as it might sound, try a little salt, it helps me.

[Padma]

Molasses? That brings back bad memories. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Molasses_Disaster

That looks really grim. I only use molasses internally - it's a very good mineral balancer, which does the same thing salt (and the magnesium, also a salt) does.

[V M]

Something that has helped me with leg cramps has been eating potassium rich foods like bananas, yams, beans and sea food etc. It is of coarse best to consult with your doctor who may also prescribe potassium tablets 

[Devlyn]

It was a sticky situation. <running away>

[Padma]

It was a sticky situation. <running away>

bloody line spacing!
Tar & feathers, comin' atcha...

[JennX]

As mentioned above, check your potassium levels. If I get leg cramps, I drink a glass of orange juice or have a banana. Lack of potassium is usually the cause of leg cramps. Be careful if your are taking spironolactone or any other potassium saving diuretics, as high potassium levels can also be very dangerous.

[SarahM777]

Also check with your doctor about Gatorade or something similar. (The doctor told both my mom and dad to keep some on hand if they started getting cramps) Are you getting enough fluids? Are you eating enough? Are you getting enough calcium,sodium,and potassium? Any or all of them may be causing them. (The thing with the Gatorade is that it is loaded with sodium and it's only really meant to be used if any of those levels drop fairly quickly and they can be replaced fairly quickly because they are in liquid form)

It could be something as simple as your diet. Do you eat or drink more foods that are natural diuretics?
In themselves they can also lead to losing sodium and fluids.

[Padma]

My diet is fine, and I get plenty of potassium (and other salts/minerals). I don't know what's changed recently to make this worse.

I've been prescribed quinine again. Let's see whether it makes me insane this time round. The leaflet that comes with them is hilarious. This is just the final highlights of a long, long list of potential effects (loving called "side-effects"). If death occurs, I'll be sure to follow the instructions.

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

Gin and tonic.  Gin to make you relax and the tonic has quinine. 

Hey it couldn't hurt.

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

Oh and a friend uses Verimite.  A tablespoon in hot water.  Then drink.

[Padma]

Gin and tonic.  Gin to make you relax and the tonic has quinine. 

Hey it couldn't hurt.

I have a drink once a year, to remind me why I have a drink once a year.

[Padma]

Eesh. Fourth night of quinine, 2 hours' sleep and hallucinations. That's the end of *that* experiment...

[Cindy]

Have you had your blood pressure checked and blood picture including cardiac enzymes? Are the cramped muscles sore to the touch?

[Padma]

They don't cramp up completely, it's more like an extreme version of 'restless legs', the muscles get tight and feel really uncomfortable. Exercise doesn't seem to make any difference. I've had this for a decade, it just got worse when I went on hrt. Sometimes it's my arms too. I don't think I've had any of the tests you mention (my BP is always a bit low) - they don't take this seriously here, just dole out pills.

[Cindy]

They don't cramp up completely, it's more like an extreme version of 'restless legs', the muscles get tight and feel really uncomfortable. Exercise doesn't seem to make any difference. I've had this for a decade, it just got worse when I went on hrt. Sometimes it's my arms too. I don't think I've had any of the tests you mention (my BP is always a bit low) - they don't take this seriously here, just dole out pills.

I was worried about DVT but if this is continual over a decade it is very unlikely to be that. I hate Drs who don't practice proper pathology. By not investigating they are being incompetent.

If you can find a medic with half a brain I would suggest you get screened for autoimmune disorders and if possible for mitochondrial disorders and don't get in a panic when you Google them. The chances of mitochondrial disorders are very low but it seems sensible to get screened. Most symptoms of autoimmune disease can be alleviated and a proper care program instigated.

It is not petty by any means to have a full medical investigation of a syndrome which is affect you in a bad way. Even if it is 'just cramps' most people don't have them so something is different and needs to be diagnosed.

If the cramps could be a precursor to something then it should  be investigated.