Have already done a search on the site for this, but nothing has really answered my query.

For the last couple of nights I've suffered from excruciating leg cramps (plus I've been feeling very tired). I already take magnesium (400mg), calcium (1000mg) and potassium (99mg) on a daily basis.

Should I increase this? or am I perhaps missing something else?

Any thoughts etc., would be appreciated.

Demi

Hi Demi,

As you are already taking calcium and mag, all I can offer (apart from my sympathy which is very sincere!) is the suggestion that you drink more water.
I have occasionally had leg cramps when I have been a little dehydrated.
The other suggestion (if you are not already doing this) is to take your last cal/mag tablet just before bed.

My fingers are crossed that the cramps will settle!

Rosebud

I take 2-99 mg of potassium a day. Further if I do suffer muscle cramps, I take 2 additional potassium immediately. Miraculously the pain goes away within seconds.

Demi

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing such excruciating leg cramps.

I would like to add this, if after trying all that has been suggested by Rosebud and Zuleikaa and the cramps persist for a period of time, it would be wise for you to see a physician.

My mother had the same problem. She always took her cal/mag/zinc at night and had been for years. She was taking a potassium supplement too but nothing seemed to help. She also noticed that her legs were hurting more and more while on the treadmill. After seeing her doctor she found out that she has artheriosclerosis in her legs.

That is not to say that you have this by any means, I am just trying to point out that if this or any other condition persists you might want to see your doctor.

It may be nothing but it is not wise to ignore symptoms if they persist.

HN

Thanks for all your suggestions.

Although I do drink a lot of water, I shall try and drink more in the evenings, and will increase my potassium from one to two tablets (taking one in the morning, and one before I go to bed with the mag and calcium).

I will see how I get on with this over the next week or so, and will post here again if it proves to be successful - it may help someone else if they are experiencing the same sort of thing.

If it doesn't help, then I'll certainly think about seeing my doctor in case there's a more serious underlying problem.

Demi

I've had severe leg cramps for years! Restless leg syndrome too....now that can drive you nuts! I get cramps everywhere from my knees down to the tip of my toes! And sometimes they are so painful I've cried!

I've seen the doc, been tested for deficiencies, circulation problems....all's normal. My doc did order higher potassium and calcium, but that really hasn't helped. I was also told to try tonic water (has quinine in it...a log time treatment of leg cramps) but just couldn't drink it! (It is so gross !)

One thing I did find helps a lot is using an ice pack! I got the idea when I realized that the "traditional" charlie horse usually is relieved by walking on a cold floor....well if that helps, then why wouldn't ice?

I have a fairly large ice pack (about 8X12 inches) that I wrap up and put it under my feet/legs. It works better (but not completely) than anything else I've ever tried! It's great in the summer....but in winter I usually have to throw another blanket on the bed!

I haven't noticed any improvement or worsening since I started low-carbing.....was hoping for an improvement, so I was unhappy about that!