leg foot and toe cramps

[chrissydyer]

i have my lab results, and the same goes for me my dr. changed my prescription from .5 to .75, i think .75 is to strong for me so i talked him into me alternating .5 one day and .75 the next. i did this for 60 days and felt pretty good, i had leg cramps but not as severe as now. i am back up to .75 because  of my lab test showing me to have very high numbers. its pretty much just my right leg cramping , you can actually see the muscle tighten up starting at my lower calve and climb right up yo my knee. my foot contorts and stays like that  for a few minutes , its unbelievably painful. what should i change, I'm willing to do anything .

[chrissydyer]

wow great advice thank you so much and i will try everything recommended. i will let you know ...

[caregiver222]

Low potassium is another possibility. Quinine sulfate was marketed over-the-counter for 150 years as a treatment for these cramps. The FDA reviewed data and there were 665 adverse event reports, including 93 deaths. The deaths were primary cardiac events due to prolongation of PR and QRS interval in patients with existing structural problems, sick-sinus syndrome, and those on the drug veraparamil. There were several deaths from thrombocytopenia, a blood disorder. Accordingly, around 2007, the U.S.FDA restricted over-the-counter sales and authorized prescription only for uncomplicated Plasmodium Falcipara Malaria. Although this is now a non-approved use my physician gives me a prescription. Against these statistics is the fact that moderate intake of this drug, marketed as Qualaquin, is safe in those without cardiac complications. The quinine in a small glass of tonic water is not in sufficient concentration to make a difference. Thinking four or more liters brings up a glucose issue or toxicity from non-sugar sweeteners.

[Barb135]

I take a daily calcium supplement on the recommendation of my doctor.  I also drink  milk and take magnesium vitamin D3, none of which affects my cramps.

I do find that when my potassium levels drop too low, I have the cramps much worse than at other times.  I also get them worse if I don't drink enough water.  For potassium, I take an OTC potassium capsule - one per day is all it takes, along with drinking several glasses of water.

One of my doctors recommended a glass of tonic water nightly before bed.  Tonic water has quinine...   A word of caution, though - quinine can cause blood in the urine.  

[caregiver222]

Gimel provided good informagtion. Almost always these cramps are due to simple calcium depletion and low D3 levels (below 10). As mentioned a magnesium gluconats supplement helps. The specific drug that relieves these cramps is quinine sulfate, which was sold for 150 years in the U.S. over the counter until the FDA reported several deaths from patients gobbling the pills like candy. They now require a prescription.  If you don't have a cardiac history your physician may prescribe them. They are available from a Canadian pharmacy for $23. Rite-Aid charges $234 for thwe same prescription! Square one is to take a calcium supplement of drink a daily glass of milk. Then take a D3 supplement and a magnesium gluconate supplement. There are no contraindications. In all liklihood this should clear your problem up. Another factor is minimal circulation, which can be improved with slow release niacin and omega-3 supplements..

[gimel]

Please post your latest couple of sets of thyroid test results and reference ranges.  Do you have any other symptoms besides the cramping?  Also have you been tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin (iron)?

Of course there are other possible contributors as well.  When I quickly looked for some info, I found this.


"the closing and relaxing of a muscle is dependent on the four mineral horseman of function, calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K).  Sodium constricts and potassium relaxes, with Ca and Mg initiating each phase of the action.  If an individual is low in potassium, it appears that that singular event of low potassium can be sufficient to permit a cramp to occur. Without enough potassium available to complete the relaxing cycle, a random signal (or even a conscious one) to close by an out of balanced condition can leave almost any muscle in a locked position."

Might be good to find out about your levels of those 4 minerals as well.