After having my left foot rebuilt a year and a half ago (thanks to too many marathons and other 15-mile days) I'm getting severe muscle cramps in my left leg-inside and above the knee. I'm also getting them in the calf muscle. These things come on suddenly, are bad enough to send me into shock, and make me fearful of having one while zipped up in a sleeping bag and tent. When one hits, I'm up NOW, usually screaming! My doctor's clueless; any thoughts on prevention?
dealing with muscle cramps
- Thread starter MacDonald
- Start date
Fink
Veteran member
Normally, it's dehydration and/or lack of minerals, but in my definitely non-professional opinion, the cramps above the knee seem really odd.
I would think that your first stop should be a physical therapist to check your gait. My guess would be that after your surgery you either favored your foot and that stuck or the surgery physically altered your gait.
Either way, I'm going to bet that you're going to continue to have problems until you get the gait issue resolved, supplements or anything else may lessen or mask them, but they won't fix the underlying problem.
Now gait is something I haven't thought about! Thanks, JMSZ; I'll get it checked. I've upped my potassium and hydration levels and it's lessened the cramps, which are pretty much in that leg alone, and will be adding magnesium as well. I currently use electrolyte replacement supplements when I'm working out, but nothing really does the job. Yet!
Glad to help. I chased a problem for two years which ended up being caused by gait issues, so I understand the frustration.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Uswed to get them once in awhile. Doc recommended Quinine water. Woked for me (especially when I added a little gin!!)
Ha ha. Keeps malaria at bay too.
I will reiterate what was said about pt. PT and exercising specific muscles could help out tremendously.
no, neither were touched. I've had to have both an ACL and the arch rebuilt. I consider myself to be in really bad shape compared to what I used to be able to do; I'm almost 65 now, whereas up to my middle 50's could hold 22-25mph on a road bike for a century, X-C ski 20 or so k's easily (either skate or classic-skied the World Cup circuit there as a biathlete), or tend goal for ice hockey several evenings a week. Then first the knee, then the foot bailed on me! I'm taking a ton of supplements and vitamins now, plus hiking and mountain biking, and skiing in the Winter. This could just be an hydration issue, but I'm going to get some Wilderness Athlete "Hydrate & Recovery" to test, as well as adding some magnesium to my diet.
I really appreciate all your thoughts on this; it's keeping me from loading up the pack and heading out for the High Hunt here, and I figure I'll have maybe another decade of hunting before I begin to hang up the longbow!
Sawfish
Very Active Member
I like that kind of holistic medicine! With a touch of lime, it is also good for scurvy.
A further update on the issue, guys; I began taking magnesium tablets two days ago, and so far have had no cramps at all. The jury's still out though!
bigmoose
Active Member
I have the same problem with leg cramps. My doctor recommended magnesium and it worked but after awhile I got a reaction and could not take it anymore. Now I've been taking Hyland's Leg Cramp pills. I think they've got quinine in them. They are a homeopathic type treatment and they work for me. The only problem is that they're only good for four hours or so. I take two at bedtime and usually make it all night (7 1/2 hours). Might be worth looking at.
Moose
Moose
I'll check `em out, Moose; The magnesium seems to be working so far. I decided to test it yesterday, so didn't take the evening pills after scything my "back 40". Hadn't used the scythe for quite a while, and worked up a good sweat doing so. Then a serious period of relaxation after dinner with a good cigar. This usually brings out the cramp gremlin, and sure enough, as I got out of bed this morning, there he was, waiting for me!
Murdy
Active Member
There's an old folk remedy for night-time cramps, sleeping with a bar of soap in your bed. I know this sounds flaky and I was/am skeptical myself, but my Mom swears by it. If you google "bar of soap" and "leg cramps," you will get lots of info. Doesn't cost much to try.
Farmer
New Member
Sorry about the late reply but for those just checking in; Try LEGATRIN PM (Wal mart, keep looking, they're there). I get horrendously bad leg cramps after an extremely hard day of walking/climbing and one of these pills when the cramp hits and the cramp disappears in about one minute. Might be a placebo for all I know and I don't give a hoot...they work!!!
tim
Veteran member
if it is basic dehydration salty foods will help alot. I like to use olives, but use what works.
Many endurance athletes drink pickle juice on big activities to lessen cramping. After excercising eat salty stuff. Like i said, olives work real well for me.
Many endurance athletes drink pickle juice on big activities to lessen cramping. After excercising eat salty stuff. Like i said, olives work real well for me.
If I cramp up I run for the salt shaker.
I tend to avoid sodium due to hypertension and cardiac issues but live an active lifestyle, including working out, and know from experience what cramping is from for me.
My solution is to eat salt and consume water. For me it works but I would check with my physician before doing such. I did, two specialist and my G.P., before doing this. It's something I learned long ago from a combat vet in a land far away.
I tend to avoid sodium due to hypertension and cardiac issues but live an active lifestyle, including working out, and know from experience what cramping is from for me.
My solution is to eat salt and consume water. For me it works but I would check with my physician before doing such. I did, two specialist and my G.P., before doing this. It's something I learned long ago from a combat vet in a land far away.
Don K
Very Active Member
