Leg cramps -Resless Leg syndrome??

[stillwaiting52]

I am experiencing very bad leg cramps every night until the early morning hours. It causes restlessness and wakes me up a few times a night. Does anyone else have this problem or know what to do? I am already eating a banana everyday for potassium and taking an iron pill for amenia, I have read that it could be a sign of amenia. I am also doing calf stretches because I read that this should also help. I do walk a lot of stairs everyday and was wondering if this is the problem or if it would be worse if I wasn't walking the stairs. I average walking about 20 flights of stairs,  work and home combined, daily. My next doctors appt isn't until Monday, just wondered if anyone had any advice prior to that, thanks!

[PamelaBee]

I saw you asked if tums were ok for calcium, with taking iron pills.  I too was anemic through my pregnancy, and was taking 2 iron supplements daily.  I had horrible heartburn during my pregnancy and was eating tums like CRAZY!  As long as you take your iron pills with orange juice or any vitamin C beverage (because it absorbs the iron better) and try not to eat foods high in calcium too close together, you're ok.  I used to take my iron pills on an empty stomach with oj.  One pill first thing in the morning, then I'd wait to eat or drink anything til about an hour afterwards, then I took the other iron pill right before bed.  Oh, and yes tums are great for calcium, but I would not eat them strictly for that, get your calcium from whole milk, cheese, greens etc..

[pcarsey]

Just try tylenol! I have suffered from RLS for years and while I was pregnant I just took Tylenol before bed! It worked great! Good Luck.. it ***** being pregnant and not being able to sleep because your legs want to go for a walk around the block while the rest of you really just wants some darn sleep!!

[stillwaiting52]

I can't imagine tonic water without the vodka and lime ;-)
I am very curious though, let me know how it works, good luck!

[sheilarmay]

I just went to my doctor for the same restless leg pain and he actually told me to drink tonic water.  I havent had a chance to try it yet but am definately going to try.  He said there was something in it that calmed it down.  Hope it helps, it will try and let you know how it worked.

[popeyesgirl06]

Also make sure you are drinking plenty of water. This part may not be helpful but I have started sleeping at the other end of the bed so when the cramps come on (I wake up right away) and I am able to press my feet up against the wall to straighten my foot out to eleviate the cramp. I get them soooo bad (or have) that I would work one out and get another one right away. I could still feel where the cramp was three days later. Increasing fluid intake  has helped tremendously. Give it a try. I do wake up more to go to the bathroom but thats better than screaming out in agony.

[stillwaiting52]

Thanks everyone, does anyone know if Tums will help or do I need to get my Calcium from Milk and Cheese products? I am on iron pills for anemia and try to stay away from too many of the dairy products if you know what I mean...

[adgal]

I have had restless leg syndrome on and off as well, and although I have only been pregnant for short periods of time, it got worse then.  I also was told to increase my calcium and do lots of stretches.  They are awful I know.  I hope you are able to find a solution. Take care and good luck to yuou.

[stillwaiting52]

Thanks, that was helpful!

[PamelaBee]

Check out this article, maybe it will help :-)

http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/pregnancy-articles/33.html

[stillwaiting52]

Yes, I am 29 weeks pregnant. It is every night, the leg stretches don't seem to be helping in my case. Thanks for the good luck wishes, I need it!

[PamelaBee]

Are you pregnant?  When I was pregnant I experienced the same calf cramps...it's very common, and I was told to do calf stretches, point your toes as far down and up as you can...also wear somesnug but not tight knee high nylon socks to bed.  I didn't have the cramps very often, but doing the stretches really helped.  Good luck!

[stillwaiting52]

Restless