Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

woodsprite

(12,169 posts)
Sat Nov 30, 2019, 11:14 PM Nov 2019

Killer front and inner thigh cramps last night.

Have any of you ever experienced them? If so, what did you do for them? I’ve had charley horses in calves, shins, ankles before, but nothing like these.

I know I’ve probably overdone the past two days, haven’t been vigilant in keeping up with water, skipped a normal lunch both days, had more than my usual holiday cheer (4 small glasses of wine and one awesome lambic raspberry beer on Tday). Sooo not smart.

I leapt out of bed last night about every two hours. Literally bent over because I couldn’t stand straight due to the muscles being so tight, each time took a lot to rub it out. I think my reflux raised its head because of me jumping out of bed so fast. When I’d lay back down to try to go back to sleep, the reflux was worse. Couldn’t take any Zantac due to being on metformin. There were times last night that I just kept thinking “breathe in, breathe out”, drift off to sleep, then the cycle would abruptly start again. I think I’ve felt so crappy today due to lack of sleep.

To top that all off, it hurts to lay on my left side because the 20lb turkey got the better of my shoulder when I was getting it in the darned oven.

Feeling exhausted and beaten, and kind of afraid to go to sleep tonight ☹️

48 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Killer front and inner thigh cramps last night. (Original Post) woodsprite Nov 2019 OP
I get charley horses on the top of my feet sometimes. hate those things Demovictory9 Nov 2019 #1
I can feel for you. woodsprite Nov 2019 #4
Seconded on their teething tablets! They saved us many tears. mahina Nov 2019 #9
I get those, too. Aquaria Dec 2019 #17
Drink a glass of two of water when that happens! It's often from unrecognized dehydration. nt tblue37 Dec 2019 #21
thanks. I do find that how much water I'm drinking impacts them Demovictory9 Dec 2019 #32
In Viet Nam they gave infantrymen a teaspoon or two of baking soda in water. OregonBlue Dec 2019 #33
i have to be careful on how much water i drink at nite . nocturnal urination problem. AllaN01Bear Aug 2020 #43
My husband gets leg cramps and uses a spray called theraworx over the counter ... MLAA Nov 2019 #2
Thanks! I'll have to look for that tomorrow. woodsprite Nov 2019 #6
I have no idea of a position to make them subside, House of Roberts Nov 2019 #3
Unfortunately, you can't get quinine pills in the US any more. Jane Austin Dec 2019 #35
I used to get those. They're awful. Cousin Dupree Nov 2019 #5
Hmm, I wonder if it's got potassium or salts in it woodsprite Nov 2019 #7
Pickle juice also works Pisces Dec 2019 #12
I get those same foot cramps ekelly Dec 2019 #13
I'm glad to hear that someone else can affirm that this works. People think I'm nuts when I tell Cousin Dupree Dec 2019 #27
Drink s glass of two of water when that happens! It's often from unrecognized dehydration. nt tblue37 Dec 2019 #22
I get bad cramps in my totally flat feet sometimes, Bayard Nov 2019 #8
Knee or ankles? Mahalo ! mahina Nov 2019 #10
When I get charley horse cramps in my legs at night I rub magnesium oil on the fierywoman Dec 2019 #11
I sometines get a charley horse in a calf muscle. PoindexterOglethorpe Dec 2019 #14
We usually go several hours without water when asleep, so if you are already a bit tblue37 Dec 2019 #23
You need to get some calcium in you and quickly. Jane Austin Dec 2019 #15
I have been harping on the dehydration connection in multiple posts on this thread, to make sure tblue37 Dec 2019 #24
My doc says bananas and over the counter potassium Jane Austin Dec 2019 #34
Lack of magnesium causes my legs to cramp. patricia92243 Dec 2019 #16
Close reading of your post, woodsprite, leads me to think dehydration is a factor. TexasProgresive Dec 2019 #18
Even before I was diabetic, Aquaria Dec 2019 #19
Cramps are often caused by dehydration, and Americans OFTEN let their themselves get tblue37 Dec 2019 #20
I get relief within a minute from plain yellow mustard. NCjack Dec 2019 #25
I sometimes get them on the inner thighs. Polly Hennessey Dec 2019 #26
Get potassium into your system CanonRay Dec 2019 #28
Calm - from the health food section. cilla4progress Dec 2019 #29
Used to get cramps so bad I wanted to call 911. Prosper Dec 2019 #30
I'll have to see if I can find some of the bottled juice. woodsprite Dec 2019 #37
As far as I know pickle juice won't spoil. I take a water bottle with Prosper Dec 2019 #38
Chiropractor says more water..... Historic NY Dec 2019 #31
Ouch! When you get them though, it's hard to not jump out of bed fast! woodsprite Dec 2019 #36
Thank you all sooooo much for your ideas! woodsprite Dec 2019 #39
This message was self-deleted by its author CatLady78 Aug 2020 #40
I have been lucky and haven't had the gastric issues that some have. woodsprite Aug 2020 #41
hi there . i feel for u. my toes start twiching then one calf starts hurting , then the other . AllaN01Bear Aug 2020 #42
ouch. i get them sometimes . start in toes , then work up to thighs . ouch AllaN01Bear Nov 2020 #44
I used to get horrible leg and foot cramps until a couple of years ago meow2u3 Jan 2021 #45
Theraworks & Diet Tonic Water Grumpy Old Guy Jan 2021 #46
You'd be surprised! marble falls Jan 2021 #47
Stay hydrate and eat bananas (for potassium). tblue37 Apr 2021 #48

woodsprite

(12,169 posts)
4. I can feel for you.
Sat Nov 30, 2019, 11:33 PM
Nov 2019

Those are bad too! I hate when the cramping starts moving up the front of your ankles. I find them almost impossible to walk off.

My son just got home from a day with his GFs family and tossed me a bottle of pills. Both his GF and her mom have diabetes. He asked them what they do and they gave him Hylands Leg Cramp pills to have me try. I put them on my nightstand. I always was told their products were woo until we used their meds for colic and teething issues when my daughter was a baby. They seemed to be the only thing that worked for her. Hopefully they work as well for me.

mahina

(18,840 posts)
9. Seconded on their teething tablets! They saved us many tears.
Sat Nov 30, 2019, 11:55 PM
Nov 2019

I prefer rational exclamations that I don’t understand we have to see what I do know for a fact that Hyland’s teething tablets worked. They’re off the market now but I’ll see what else they make.

OregonBlue

(7,868 posts)
33. In Viet Nam they gave infantrymen a teaspoon or two of baking soda in water.
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 01:59 PM
Dec 2019

My husband now uses this as a go to and it works. He follows up with a second glass of warm water. The cramps subside very quickly and it also can help with reflux.

MLAA

(18,512 posts)
2. My husband gets leg cramps and uses a spray called theraworx over the counter ...
Sat Nov 30, 2019, 11:30 PM
Nov 2019

He says it helps. Good luck!

woodsprite

(12,169 posts)
6. Thanks! I'll have to look for that tomorrow.
Sat Nov 30, 2019, 11:37 PM
Nov 2019

I’ve seen it advertised, but never knew anyone who used it.

House of Roberts

(5,660 posts)
3. I have no idea of a position to make them subside,
Sat Nov 30, 2019, 11:32 PM
Nov 2019

but I got some quinine pills from the neighborhood pharmacy. You put a couple under your tongue and let them dissolve, and the cramps stop really quick.

Jane Austin

(9,199 posts)
35. Unfortunately, you can't get quinine pills in the US any more.
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 06:50 PM
Dec 2019

My mother had some and they worked instantly. My doc said some people had a bad reaction to them.

OK, so how come we can still buy tonic water (quinine water) with no warning on it?

Cousin Dupree

(1,866 posts)
5. I used to get those. They're awful.
Sat Nov 30, 2019, 11:35 PM
Nov 2019

I currently get occasional cramps in my feet that pull my toes up, and calf cramps. Im going to tell you my home remedy for cramps. You won’t believe it. No one does. It works for me within seconds: eat a spoonful of mustard. Any kind of mustard. ( it’s not pleasant but I do it cause it works). Give it a try. Works like charm for me. Even if you don’t believe me, it won’t hurt to try. Good luck.

woodsprite

(12,169 posts)
7. Hmm, I wonder if it's got potassium or salts in it
Sat Nov 30, 2019, 11:40 PM
Nov 2019

And that’s why it works. I also was reading last night that some people take pickle juice for leg cramping.

ekelly

(426 posts)
13. I get those same foot cramps
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 04:06 AM
Dec 2019

that pull my toes up as well. I keep mustard packets on my nightstand....works every time, and fast!

Cousin Dupree

(1,866 posts)
27. I'm glad to hear that someone else can affirm that this works. People think I'm nuts when I tell
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 11:49 AM
Dec 2019

them about this.

Bayard

(24,078 posts)
8. I get bad cramps in my totally flat feet sometimes,
Sat Nov 30, 2019, 11:54 PM
Nov 2019

And in my legs. They ease up if I stretch my calf by pulling my toes up. Works best if you stick your leg out. Has also kept bone spurs at bay for over a year now.

fierywoman

(8,079 posts)
11. When I get charley horse cramps in my legs at night I rub magnesium oil on the
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 12:12 AM
Dec 2019

area -- pain goes away in about 5 minutes.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(26,544 posts)
14. I sometines get a charley horse in a calf muscle.
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 04:41 AM
Dec 2019

It's always very painful, but the cure is to hop out of bed (and they only occur when I'm in bed, for some reason) and to stand on the foot of the leg that's cramping. It goes away instantly. Don't know if that helps any of you, but it cures it for me.

tblue37

(66,035 posts)
23. We usually go several hours without water when asleep, so if you are already a bit
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 09:32 AM
Dec 2019

dehydrated (and most Americans are), then you'll become more severely dehydrated after a few hours asleep, leading to cramps. I keep two mugs wit attached straw covers by my bed so when I get a cramp during the night, I drink water and the cramps go away.

Although I am well aware of the cramp-dehydration connection, one of my medicines dehydrates me, plus I tend to get nauseated if I drink too much liquid at a time, so I always am borderline dehydrated if I am not drinking a bit of water at every opportunity.

Jane Austin

(9,199 posts)
15. You need to get some calcium in you and quickly.
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 05:03 AM
Dec 2019

If you have some Tums, you can chew them up and it should help. You may need to chew several.

I get these cramps when I am dehydrated, partly owing to the diuretic I have to take. It takes the calcium and potassium right out of me.

Cramps ensue. Excruciating cramps

Stay hydrated, and if you are taking a diuretic, be sure to replenish your calcium and potassium.

Do the same if you are getting more exercise than usual.

Good luck.

tblue37

(66,035 posts)
24. I have been harping on the dehydration connection in multiple posts on this thread, to make sure
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 09:34 AM
Dec 2019

everyone sees it. I'm glad to see someone he else is sharing that ifo. I Also recommend bananas for potassium in one of my posts.

Jane Austin

(9,199 posts)
34. My doc says bananas and over the counter potassium
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 06:44 PM
Dec 2019

don't contain enough potassium, so I have to take prescription potassium.

That and calcium and lots of fluids really does defeat those excruciating leg cramps.

TexasProgresive

(12,259 posts)
18. Close reading of your post, woodsprite, leads me to think dehydration is a factor.
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 06:59 AM
Dec 2019

Not drinking water as usual and drinking alcoholic beverages together is a sure way to become dehydrated. I am type 2 diabetic, a cyclist and have had those quadriceps cramps while riding. I don't think the diabetes makes me more prone to cramping, but it is easy to become dehydrated and/or low on one or more electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium.

One thought, the stress of a preparing a big meal and eating wrong may have caused your blood glucose level to spike. Your kidneys would dump excess glucose in the urine. This would increase the dehydration and depletion of electrolytes.

There are a lot of ways to help with cramps. Someone mentioned pickle juice. On supported rally rides the rest stops often have cups of the stuff available along with pickles. I find a tablespoon of plain yellow mustard can give immediate relief. I carry several packets like you can get from fast food and convenience store delis on my rides. It does not prevent them but will stop them.

 

Aquaria

(1,076 posts)
19. Even before I was diabetic,
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 07:27 AM
Dec 2019

I had severe charley horse cramps in my legs. Get them when I’m sleeping a lot. Nowadays, I simply straighten my legs with my toes pointed to my head, and they go away.

Dehydration is usually the cause. I’ve had fewer cramp attacks since I started drinking mostly water. I keep a pitcher of filtered water in my fridge and use it to fill one of those insulated cooler sports bottles that I lug with me everywhere. I hardly ever drink sodas (the sodium in them can add up fast), and consume very little caffeine or alcohol. The alcohol you drank undoubtedly played a role in causing your cramps because alcohol dehydrates.


Now for the reflux...

Alcohol again plays a role there, but what’s done is done. Since no one will be taking Zantac for the foreseeable future (FDA issued a recall in September), see if you can take Pepcid AC. It’s also an H-2 blocker, but is metformin-friendly. Zantac worked faster, but not so much faster that it’s worth risking lactic acidosis.

tblue37

(66,035 posts)
20. Cramps are often caused by dehydration, and Americans OFTEN let their themselves get
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 09:22 AM
Dec 2019

dehydrated without realizing it. Drink a full glass of water or two when you get a cramp. See if the cramp goes away after a few minutes. I usually get relief within a minute or two.

Also, eat bananas sometimes. Potassium deficiency can cause cramps.

NCjack

(10,295 posts)
25. I get relief within a minute from plain yellow mustard.
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 11:25 AM
Dec 2019

I start with 1 tsp. If no benefit within a minute, I swallow 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard. Usually that is enough. But, once I had to go to 1 tsp + 3 Tablespoons of YM to stop the cramps.

See: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/how-does-a-teaspoon-of-mustard-cure-muscle-cramps]

Polly Hennessey

(7,381 posts)
26. I sometimes get them on the inner thighs.
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 11:31 AM
Dec 2019

Agree about keeping hydrated. What also works for me is rubbing the area with Mineral Ice. Goes away quickly. I think it must be the warmth from the gel. You are not alone. 😥😀

cilla4progress

(25,676 posts)
29. Calm - from the health food section.
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 12:31 PM
Dec 2019

It's mostly magnesium - an electrolyte, like a sports drink. Tums can also help, as they are mostly calcium and magnesium.

I used to get TERRIBLE leg cramps from dehydrathion and electrolyte loss after I'd been active and sweating.

Calm works instantly. I've gotten small sample packets at the health food store to try it out first.

Bonus side effects: loosens up the gut so helps with "elimination," and helps sleep too!

If you have a sleep partner or someone around to help while the charley horse is happening, pulling on your big toe provides instant relief!

Since I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes I have been quite committed in my hydration. Seems to help.

Good luck!

Prosper

(761 posts)
30. Used to get cramps so bad I wanted to call 911.
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 01:11 PM
Dec 2019

My wife heard something about NFL players drinking pickle juice. Filled an empty water bottle with pickle juice. Next cramp attack and I drank three big gulps of pickle juice. After a few minutes I could feel the muscles untangling. 5 minutes and cramps were totally gone.
Our food market has Pickle juice available in small bottles.

Pickle Juice® Sport:
Stop Muscle Cramps
bottled pickle juice from www.picklepower.com
Suffering From Muscle Cramps? Pick Pickle Juice! Stop Muscle Cramps with Pickle Juice® Sport

woodsprite

(12,169 posts)
37. I'll have to see if I can find some of the bottled juice.
Mon Dec 2, 2019, 11:07 AM
Dec 2019

There is no way I'd try to go down the steps to the fridge with the leg cramps. Of course, maybe I could try eating a pickle before I go up to bed.

Prosper

(761 posts)
38. As far as I know pickle juice won't spoil. I take a water bottle with
Mon Dec 2, 2019, 11:42 AM
Dec 2019

full with me where ever I am. Our neighborhood bar had big jars of pickles, boiled eggs, hot sausage and pigs feet sitting out all the time. Check this link out.

https://www.picklepower.com/

Historic NY

(37,771 posts)
31. Chiropractor says more water.....
Sun Dec 1, 2019, 01:39 PM
Dec 2019

wine and beer doesn't count., a banana might also be useful. I've had them so now I keep a bottle of water close to the bed. I wouldn't jump up too fast that's how I tore the ligament in my ankle.

woodsprite

(12,169 posts)
36. Ouch! When you get them though, it's hard to not jump out of bed fast!
Mon Dec 2, 2019, 11:03 AM
Dec 2019

I do keep a bottle of water on my nightstand, but being bent over from the pain, I couldn't drink any until I could stand up.

woodsprite

(12,169 posts)
39. Thank you all sooooo much for your ideas!
Mon Dec 2, 2019, 08:18 PM
Dec 2019

Last night I actually slept well - Between having a 1/2 turkey sandwich w/ yellow mustard and a glass of milk before bed. Made sure I got both doses of my vitamins and meds in a timely fashion, took an extra magnesium pill and pushed the water, AND took another 1/4 of a percocet for my shoulder. Something worked well and I finally feel normal again -- just in time to go back to work today!

We're heading to a nephew's wedding this weekend. A couple of water bottles will travel with me, along with those leg cramp pills. Since we're staying in a suite, I'll pack some snacks that will work for bedtime (cheese, mustard, a jar of baby dills, a few single servings of FairLife milk, etc.).

Feeling so much better and put back together now.

Thank you all again!

Response to woodsprite (Original post)

woodsprite

(12,169 posts)
41. I have been lucky and haven't had the gastric issues that some have.
Mon Aug 10, 2020, 09:53 AM
Aug 2020

At least, as long as I moderate my carb intake - 30-40 gr carbs per meal and 15-25 per snack. It works ok for me and my numbers. Whatever 'brand' the pharmacy was using a year or so ago seemed to work better than what they switched to. The struggle for me is getting the exercise component in to control my numbers.

AllaN01Bear

(22,913 posts)
42. hi there . i feel for u. my toes start twiching then one calf starts hurting , then the other .
Sun Aug 30, 2020, 04:12 PM
Aug 2020

very painful. haven had them in a while . i was recomended vitamen e for my cramps by my dr.

AllaN01Bear

(22,913 posts)
44. ouch. i get them sometimes . start in toes , then work up to thighs . ouch
Mon Nov 2, 2020, 04:21 AM
Nov 2020

dr . recomended vitaman e for them there is quianie water , but i understand that has been pulled

meow2u3

(24,903 posts)
45. I used to get horrible leg and foot cramps until a couple of years ago
Sat Jan 9, 2021, 10:41 AM
Jan 2021

I drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day (including decaf tea) and eliminated table sugar in my diet. Those changes helped me control my blood sugar and my cramps in addition to the Metformin (1000mg 2x/day) and Januvia 100 mg.

It's been 2 years since I had any severe cramps. I drink more water when I get mild cramps. I hope what I did can help you since dehydration causes cramps.

Grumpy Old Guy

(3,521 posts)
46. Theraworks & Diet Tonic Water
Mon Jan 25, 2021, 01:56 AM
Jan 2021

This happens to me all the time.

I have two items that I keep to my bed which work every time. The first is Diet Tonic Water. The quinine is what does it. Obviously, I buy the diet version because I'm diabetic. The other sure fire remedy is a relatively new product called Theraworks. It's a magnesium spray that you apply directly to the affected area. It never fails

I know that this is a very old thread, but I hope it helps someone.

Ross

aka Grumpy Old Guy (new member)

PS Thanks to everyone on DU for keeping me sane all these years. Please check out my profile for a longer word of thanks.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Diabetes Support Group»Killer front and inner th...