I'm thinking that I might have to go to the doctor about the extremely painful leg cramps I'm getting. I posted before about this and took every single bit of advice I got. I added calcium supplements, magnesium supplements, zinc supplements, drowned myself in water, and even put the Dove soap under my sheets near my feet (Hey, I'm desperate). Last Monday, I had such a powerful cramp that it must have caused some muscle damage because it's still sore today (Friday). What's up with that? Why do so many of us suffer from this? I know it's about the whole electrolyte thing, but jeese, what are we supposed to do??!!

I think we need to add another of those cute little smilies that says OWCH!!!

Cisco

__________________

I'm so sorry to hear that you're still having those cramps. But I'm the " kook " who recommended the soap under the bottom sheet at your feet, and I believe I said to use Ivory soap. If I didn't I should have, and I apologize because that's the brand recommended by the readers of The People's Pharmacy, and it's the only brand I know of that usually works. If you want to give it a real try, buy a cake of Ivory to try while you wait for an appointment with your doctor. It just might work, and if it doesn't you haven't lost anything because you can still use the soap to wash with.

I hope you find something that helps your cramps very soon. I can sympathize with you because I used to have just the kind of cramps you describe -- my leg would be in pain all the next day, and sore for up to two or three days later. And then I'd get the next cramp and the whole thing would start over again. And, like you, I tried everything. The only thing that helped me at all before I discovered the soap thing was a quinine tablet taken as soon as I felt the cramp coming on. But I think they've been taken of the OTC market and are only available by prescription. You might check that out at a drug store, though.

Cisco,
Try potassium. If you're low, that can cause very painful leg cramps.

Yes, I've found this helpful (if not preventative) myself. I use one of those salt substitutes that is all potassium (as opposed to a sodium/potassium blend). Sprinkle some on my hand and lick it off, followed by some water.

It's pretty vile, but helpful in most circumstances. 'Can't imagine how anyone could use this in place of salt on food. Blecch.

Also, foot and leg stretching before bed helps, too.

__________________

Oh for pete's sake. I used the wrong soap!! I can't get anything right. I thought it was already taking potassium, but I see now that I stopped taking it a few weeks ago. I had bought a calcium supplement and it also included zink and magnesium. I was thinking it was potassium also. The cramps HAVE gotten significantly worse in the last two weeks, so maybe that's the problem. I'm going to get some Ivory soap tomorrow also, and, no, Enelkay, I don't think you are a "kook." Wordsworth & Maggie, thanks for making me check up on the potassium. I appreciate all the advice I've gotten here. I have this fear that I'm going to visit my doctor and she's going to try and make me quit this diet, so I want to stall as long as possible before I go and see her.

Thanks all.

Cisco

__________________

potassium has helped me when i have them, but i know different things work for different people. i hope it helps, cisco. don't want the cramps or the doc giving you unnecessary grief, man.

__________________

Sometimes just getting a little cold makes my legs and feet cramp, and as much as I hate wearing socks to bed, I've found that it often helps. A heating pad or a cloth bag filled with rice and nuked for a minute, tucked at your feet, might be a big help, too. And the potassium is definitely advised.

Hope you get relief soon!

__________________
Nita