I often have muscle cramps that are unbearable in my thigh. Sometimes, I wake up at night with them and they last for at least 10 minutes. I try everything to get the pain out like rubbing the muscle where the cramp is, (biting on my hand between the thumb and forefinger where a pressure point is is the only thing that lessens the pain but it takes awhile for the cramp to stop. (this is something that someone told me about many years ago but I'm sure there are newer methods nowadays)While my thigh is cramping I sweat profusely and my hair is soaking wet. The cramp finally subsides but the next day my thigh is sore where the cramp was. I've tried drinking Gatorade and increasing my water intake but that doesn't help much. Anyone with any new suggestions?
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Hi E.,
Potassium is good for the heart and good to ease cramps. Try eating a banana a day. Someone else also mentioned this and taking a calcium/mag supplment daily. I agree with that advice.
Try taking a bar of soap and rubbing it on the area that is cramped up. It works for me.
Ann Landers has mentioned the soap cure in her column on a number of occasions, with each airing prompting a load of letters from readers thanking her for this information because it worked wonders for them. "They were thrilled and grateful to be liberated from those leg cramps," said Ms. Landers."
I use the soap I make here at home but I think any soap will work. You rub your leg with the dry soap and the cramp just seem to disappear.
Try it, I hope it works for you.
Blessing, S.
Not sure if you are on any meds, however, typically muscle cramps is a sign of a calcium/magnesium deficiency or imbalance. I would take a 500mg supplement after lunch and again after dinner to help ease them. If you are on meds, then just check with your doc to see if there will be any conflicts with your medications. Try massaging with warm water before bedtime too.
First thought...calcium/magnesium/zinc There are benefits in taking them in synergy. Also, check with your Pharmacist...some of your medications, (i.e. anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen) can decrease other vitamins and minerals in your body or can cause some of your symptoms, so make sure you are taking your supplements and drinking an adequate amount of fluids. Or get some counseling from your Pharmacist on the best time to take different medications (only assuming you may be taking some....if you are not...then please personal message me and tell me what I am doing wrong!!!!! I want to be a healthy Grandma like you ...someday!
Hello E.,
I’m also going to bank on that you’re deficient in calcium/magnesium and/or potassium. Those problems can give you all kinds of muscle problems. Bananas and yogurt have high levels of potassium and calcium supplements are very helpful for getting the levels of calcium you probably need. Especially if you’ve had several children and also the lovely side effects of aging can all rob your bones of precious nutrients. My mom has been taking calcium supplements for decades. She’s turning 63 this year and has body/bone scans every 6 months due to metastasized cancer. Her cancer is attacking her bones but thankfully they’re holding up well due to all the calcium she’s taken over the years. Her doctor just told her with her last scan that she has the pelvis of a 20 year-old. That’s quite a compliment for a lady over 60. My mother was happy to brag about it too! But honestly, I would bet you’re having symptoms of mineral loss.
Best wishes!
S.
Biofreeze! You can order it online. Put it on on your joionts, behind the knee, hips, and ankle before you go to bed. It works better than anything for fast cramping relief. I use it for my leg cramps and all through out my pregnancies. I'm sure you also need more calcium/magnesium too. Chiropractors and massage thereapists use it. Best stuff you'll buy for pain!
E.,
Dr. Gott who has a column in the newspaper always talks about putting a bar of soap under your sheets. Seriously they say it works. Maybe he has a website so you can read some of the articles.Good luck!
I had awful leg cramps when I was pregnant. Sometimes I could feel my leg getting tighter and I would jump (as much as a pregnant woman can) out of bed and try to walk on it. Also bending my foot back and forth helped.
Good Luck.
do you like bananas? they're rich in potassium. also increase your calcium and magnesium intake. our muscles need calcium and magnesium. Gathorade has high fructose corn syrup. you may want to try something else. pardon me for asking, but are you also a bit constipated? if so... more reasons to increase the magnesium intake. (milk of magnesia is the most economic way to do it too) ~Carmen~
