Leg Cramps in the Morning

[pastafreak]

Once or twice a week I will get cramp when I stretch while still half asleep. Sometimes I can stop it by relaxing-but too often it is excruciating.
Some research has told me it could be due to several things-dehydration,or lack of Potassium/Magnesium/Sodium.
I admit I am not great at getting enough water in me,but I am often just not thirsty.
What should I do in order to lessen these attacks?

[LoftyLottie]

When you find out Pasta, let me know please ;o). I will keep an eye on this thread. By the way I drink a lot so don't think my cramp is caused by dehydration.

[scotman]

Are you taking any medication regularly. Statins have a reputation for causing muscle cramps in some people.

[sandyRoe]

I tried drinking tonic water for the same problem and it seems to have worked.

[nannybooby]

usually its not enough salt in your diet

[sandyRoe]

I think the cramps started soon after I started taking statins. Maybe I've adjusted to them.
I never thought to read the leaflet about possible side effects.

[LoftyLottie]

I can't stand the taste of tonic water, but I have heard of that, perhaps I will try it.

[sandyRoe]

Dilute it with a drop of gin, does wonders for the taste.

[pastafreak]

No meds here....and I wouldn't touch statins with a 10 foot barge pole...lol

I have also heard that tonic water helps...maybe I will give that a go as a cheap solution.

[RATTER15]

The Tonic water was always taken for cramps because of the quinine that was in it, these days I dont think they put any quinine in Tonic Water. Quinine is what most GP prescribe for cramps, not greatly successful though.

[pastafreak]

@Lottie...we will most likely be told it's age related.. ;-(

[LoftyLottie]

Can't stand Gin Sandy!!

[LoftyLottie]

Pasta, I have a sneaky suspicion that it may well be!! :o(

[Sqad]

pasta...unlikely to be due to any of the above, but probably due to lifestyle.

If you are overweight and do not indulge in regular exercise, then your cramps will persist.

[pastafreak]

Oh great... according to the NHS -> older adults over 60 years old – it is thought that one third of people over 60 experience leg cramps, with 40% of these people having three or more cramps a week <

[LoftyLottie]

Thanks Sqad. What if you are not overweight and you do take exercise!!

[LoftyLottie]

Oh well Pasta, that's me then!!! I must admit Mr LL suffers too. Old age!!!

[pastafreak]

Sqad...I am 5'6" and 9st5...I also walk the dog several times daily-30-40 min each time. So I think that's not the cause. ;-)

[Sqad]

Lofty....pastafreak has yet to comment, but then a number of things come into play as this, in my opiionis unusual.

[Sqad]

pasta...OK...the one must look at your thyroid status.

Have you had blood tests?

[RATTER15]

So it does contain a little quinine still.

The amount of quinine in today's Schweppes Tonic is too small to have any medicinal effect, but it is still highly regarded throughout Europe for its unique taste and style.

taken from: http://www.thedrinksh...id=1880&afwinid=90909