Nighttime llower leg and foot cramps

[Buckeyefan1]

As far as I know I am not diabetic but for the past three or so years I've been getting these lower leg foot and toe cramps while I sleep.  Sometimes I can do an opposite stretch while still in bed and that will make the cramp go away and other times I have to get up and walk around the bedroom.  The toe cramps are the worst. My big toe will spread away from the other toes and then go back toward my shins and I have to use my hand to push it back to position.  I'll cramp in my shins, around my ankles, calves. Basically anywhere below the knees and this happens at least four to five times a week.  My doctor says I have restless leg syndrome and has prescribed Requip and it worked for a while but now it seems that I've gotten used to the dosage and need a larger dose.  Does anyone have any ideas.  All responses will be appreciated.
Thank You

[sickandtired1983]

I had this! You need potassium. Eat a banana when you get these cramps and see if it helps.

I think potatoes have a ton of potassium in them, too!

Or try taking OTC potassium supplements from Walmart.

I also stretch before I go to bed. Simple stuff like sit down and touch my toes to stretch my legs. Stand up, put my legs shoulder length apart, and bend over to touch my toes, reaching as far as I can without bending my kneeds.

A good calf stretch is to step up close to a wall, put the ball of your foot on the wall, then lean into the wall. OMG! That feels soooo good!

[jmbirds]

I was severe VIT D DEFICIENT  which is part of thyroid issues my endocrinologist tested mine and i am on 50,000 IU 1 x week alot of my muscle and bone pain is gone persae and i am on 50 mcg of synthyroid i was reduced,, due to palpatations
if you can drink propel or gatorade  incase your losing alot from the sun and heat , also i was told vit d 3 is the sun vitamin and i cna'jt be in the sun so it can't hurt to buy walmarts vit d 3 its about 5.00 a bottle and see if you feel better, or ask your dr to test it supposely my endo said anyone with Thyroid problems or symptoms either have a low D or a high D which can cause problem  simple treatment and cheap , gatoraide propell with the vitamins potassiums etc  now supposely you can drink tonic water with quinine for leg cramps but my heart started tripping maybe its just me but i drank this alot in the summer