EXTREME Leg Cramps at night

[butterscotch23]

I wake, almost nightly, with EXTREME leg cramps which typically begin in the inner thigh and radiate from the knee to the lower back. Most often in my left leg, these cramps will bring on uncontrolled screams and cries to God for relief, although I am typically a very reserved person. I wear Dansko shoes because I am on my feet all day, and although I try to avoid too many carbs I am not a true Atkins dieter. I have tried taking OTC potassium supplements, tonic water, pickle juice, orange juice, bananas, and leg cramp pills. I've switched from using regular table salt to a No Salt substitute to increase potassium, and I eat cheese for calcium. Nothing brings relief quickly enough and the exhausted feeling I have the next day is miserable. NOTE: These are not the type of muscle cramps that you simply "walk off" . . . these things have me in absolute agony - ten on the 1-10 scale. What to do?

[silverfox67]

Along with calcium and D3 supplements (as caregiver  suggests) you might want to try a Magnesium supplement.  Taking baths in epsom salts might also help as we can absorb magnesium from the salts.  Believe it or not, I sleep with a bar of soap in my bed.  (Not Olay or Dove)  The soap somehow helps with the leg cramps.  Don't know how it works - maybe just the power of suggestion - but my Mom says it works for her, too.

[caregiver222]

Potassium supplements are not usually the cause. The primary cause is a calcium utilization problem and calcium and D-3 supplements are indicated. Another possible contributing factor is intermittant claudication, which is a circulatory issue. A color dopplar of both legs is indicated. Quinine sulphate tablets provide relief, and were sold over-the-counter for a century, however because they can cause cardiac irregularities were made "prescription only" by the U.S. FDA.