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Author
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Topic: Leg muscle cramps
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Ken Lang
Member From: Simi Valley, Ca
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posted 24 May 2004 07:32 PM
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I don't recall seeing this subject before and it's not to turn this area into a medical site, but a lot of us are of the older types where this ailment is more prevelant.
At turning 62 it seems something flipped a switch and said OK Dude, you are fair game. I've had 6 such early morning events since January, all while in bed. They are very painfull and the only thing you can do is flop around in agony untill they pass. I will talk about this to my Doctor next week.
My question is, have you had these cramps while playing a gig somewhere, and how do you deal with it without looking like Egor the hunchback throwing a fit and rolling around the stage like a man possesed? |
George Rout
Member From: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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posted 24 May 2004 09:30 PM
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Hello Ken. At 67, I don't want to dwell on medics here either, but if you're talking about "charley horses" in your legs, the best way to instantly cure the pain is to stand on that leg, by lifting the other off the floor. And rub the back of the affected leg while all your weight is on it. I haven't had charley horses for a long time but I used to have a tremendous amount of leg muscle pain, which was caused by cholesterol lowering drugs, such as Baycol, Lipitor, Zocor.....I've tried them all. I'm part of the class action suit agains Bayer for Baycol problems!!!!! As a quad bipass patient 3 years ago, having low cholesterol is important, and my Dr. along with 24 others as an experiment, put us on Crestor. Although my cho wasn't really high, it's now down to 1.2 and no muscle pain. Geo |
Garry Vanderlinde
Member From: Garden Grove, California, USA
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posted 24 May 2004 09:55 PM
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I am by no means a med expert but when visiting friends in higher elevations Potasium suppliments were recomended to me for avoiding leg cramps. They worked too! |
Jim Palenscar
Member From: Oceanside, Calif, USA
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posted 24 May 2004 10:20 PM
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I've had numerous leg cramps/charlie horses in my calf muscles in the past but about 2 years ago they increased in frequency dramatically- especially at night- and, for about 6 weeks- I'd get 2 or 3 a week. In the search I did on Google on - "leg cramps" and "night cramps" all it said to me, in effect, was- "You're old". Obviously that wasn't what I wanted to hear (I was 53 at the time) and that I was supposed to drink more water. Well- long story short- not long thereafter I developed a heel spur (plantar fasciitis) on my left heel and it persistes still, despite all podiatric tricks that have been attempted- the next being surgery. Looking back I think that the whole thing is connected- and that the cramps were a warning that I needed to do more stretching of the legs as it is really all related (I won't bore you with the details). My job had me standing most of the time and my participation in sports had dwindled~~ c'est la vie! |
Donna Dodd
Moderator From: Kennesaw, Georgia, USA
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posted 25 May 2004 02:06 AM
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Ken,
Were you recently prescribed a diuretic by chance? (Often prescribed for high blood pressure)
quote:
My question is, have you had these cramps while playing a gig somewhere, and how do you deal with it without looking like Egor the hunchback
Now that you mention it, I think it must be pretty common among steelers!  |
Cal Sharp
Member From: Gnashville
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posted 25 May 2004 02:20 AM
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As noted, low potassium levels can cause muscle cramps, and diuretics can flush potassium from your system. [This message was edited by Cal Sharp on 25 May 2004 at 02:21 AM.] |
Fred Shannon
Member From: Rocking "S" Ranch, Comancheria, Texas
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posted 25 May 2004 03:27 AM
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What C# says. I take a potassium pill before I leave the house to gig. Works too.
fred
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The spirit be with you!
If it aint got a steel, it aint real |
Brad Sarno
Member From: St. Louis, MO USA
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posted 25 May 2004 06:17 AM
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Potassium from supplements AND good food sources and maybe a vitamin B complex.Brad Sarno
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Erv Niehaus
Member From: Litchfield, MN, USA
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posted 25 May 2004 07:04 AM
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It has been said that to get rid of a cramp grab the area just under your nose and pinch real hard. Even if this doesn't work, it will take your mind off the cramp. Or I guess hitting your thumb with a hammer might work too.
Uff-Da! |
Jennings Ward
Member From: Edgewater, Florida, USA
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posted 25 May 2004 08:09 AM
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Hey Pal, I have the same problem, after quad by-pass, 3 stints, and 3 ango-plasties. My treatment, EAT LOTS OF BANANNAS,AT LEAST 4 A DAY. Oh yes I am on about 15 different medications a day, heart , blood pressure, diabeties, emphysmia, colestorol, and a water pill that keeps me close to the throne.Dr's recomended banannas and outher high potasium foods..better than pills and cheaper too. Try it. Bannanas are cheap compared to pills. AND U DO NOT WANT POTASIUM SHOTS. THEY HURT LIKE HELL.....BEST TO YOU, HOPE THI HELPS, JENNINGS |
Bill Llewellyn
Member From: San Jose, CA
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posted 25 May 2004 08:15 AM
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Quinine is sometimes used to treat muscle cramping. It is also an ingredient in tonic water, though not very much. I drink tonic water to help with RLS (see below). Prescription quinine is available, but it can have very serious risks, as with any medication. I have heard that if one gets a charlie horse (the calf kind that makes your foot point downward), fight it by pulling hard on the foot so it points back up. I've had a few of these, and this technique has really worked. Ken, it's also possible you have "restless leg syndrome" (RLS). I do, and it can drive me absolutely nuts at night. It has robbed me of much sleep. To find out more about it, go to the RLS site at http://www.rls.org If you are interested, I can tell what things I've been doing to help alleviate it. ------------------
Bill, steelin' since '99 | Steel page | My music | Steelers' birthdays | Over 50?[This message was edited by Bill Llewellyn on 25 May 2004 at 10:40 AM.] |
Bill Llewellyn
Member From: San Jose, CA
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posted 25 May 2004 08:21 AM
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As for potassium, you might consider a potassium chloride salt substitute. For those of us who are trying to reduce sodium (from regular salt) in our diet and deal with muscle cramping, potassium chloride has the dual benefit of cutting sodium and adding potassium. It has a slightly metallic taste but used in moderation it really does make a good substitute on/in foods. |
Allen Peterson
Member From: Katy, Texas
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posted 25 May 2004 08:46 AM
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Thank you Bill for putting me onto the RLS website. For years I have suffered with this not really knowing what was wrong with me. Now I know. I have all the classic symptoms of RLS and at least this website has put my mind to ease about my condition. In the evening while watching TV or some other similar resting activity I have this strong urge to move my legs and it can only be satisfied by getting up a walking around. Fortunately, it has not yet affected my sleep too much although my wife says I move around a lot at night while asleep. I am going to check with other members of my family to see if some of them have the same symptoms. Thanks again. |
Bill Llewellyn
Member From: San Jose, CA
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posted 25 May 2004 09:09 AM
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Allen,Lots of people have RLS and don't know it. I can be maddening. For those here who are looking for remedies, my own current regimen is * near zero caffeine (even decaf coffee can have too much)
* potassium (in salt substitute)
* iron supplement (to help build dopamine; a deficiency is suspect in RLS)
* analgesic (aspirin or Advil) at bedtime
* temazepam (minimal dose; this is a sleeping pill that also is a muscle relaxant)
* tonic water RLS worsens with age, so read up on the things that help. In time you may need them.[This message was edited by Bill Llewellyn on 25 May 2004 at 10:41 AM.] |
Allen Peterson
Member From: Katy, Texas
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posted 25 May 2004 09:23 AM
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Bill,It makes a lot of sense to me now. If I eat a couple of bananas a day I don't have the problem as much. I don't drink caffeinated drinks but if I even eat a chocolate candy bar I seem to be more prone to the symptoms of RLS. Allen |
Cody Johnson
Member From: Athens, Tennessee, USA
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posted 25 May 2004 12:23 PM
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The best thing to do is to always stretch before you go to bed and when you get up first thing in the morning. |
John Hawkins
Member From: Onalaska, Tx. on Lake Livingston
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posted 25 May 2004 02:17 PM
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This sounds crazy and unbelievable but if a leg or toe cramp starts setting in , keep handy the juice out of a jar of plain old DILL PICKLES . Get to that jar and take two or three tablespoons of Dill Pickle juice and that cramp will immediately be gone .I have been there and done that and it will work but it must be done right as the cramp starts . It is no permanant cure but it sure helps for the moment . John |
Ken Lang
Member From: Simi Valley, Ca
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posted 25 May 2004 06:20 PM
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Thanks for the replys. I have spent some time on the internet researching this problem. They vary from Jim's-get used to old guy-to the varities of minerals lacking in the body.
Donna, you hit it on the head, as I had been given a presciption for a diuretic which I took for three days preceding the latest grab your leg and hollar event. I did connect that to dehydration and stopped taking the pills.
Quinine is said to help, but the side effects are not worth the cure I understand. I will persue the diet and exercise routines.
As to Dill Pickle juice, I'm sure many of you have heard of Lang's Pickles. Unfortunately, no kin of mine. At the time of the cramp, I can hardly talk let alone make to the other side of the house. Last time my wife asked if I wanted anything and I said two asprin. I WILL try pickle juice, but maybe I should explain it to her first.
Thanks for all your replys and help. An extra thanks to Randy Beavers mom. |
Joey Gaskins
Member From: Newbern, North Carolina, USA
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posted 25 May 2004 07:08 PM
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Wow, it's really wierd reading about the leg cramps. I never had a problem until last Jan and had a bad case of bronchitis, my Dr gave me a prescription for a cortisone type drug and I had finger, foot, leg cramps until I finished them and then no more cramps. Last week I had a injection of cortisone in my shoulder, and I had cramps within hours. There has to be a connection with medication. |
William Steward
Member From: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
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posted 03 June 2004 04:59 AM
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Dehydration can (obviously) also be remedied by drinking more water.....most people don't drink nearly enough, especially in hot climates. Carry around a big bottle to remind yourself and you may find your cramping problem goes away. The only down side is having to be near a john more frequently! Also check out a yoga class near you if your muscles are just stiff and need stretching.....it works. |
Reggie Duncan
Member From: Mississippi
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posted 04 June 2004 01:48 PM
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Apple cider vinegar. |
Gene H. Brown
Member From: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada
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posted 09 June 2004 07:57 PM
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Well here goes my 2 cents worth. I have high cholestrol and my Dr. had me on Lipator and Zocor for awhile and I couldn't handle the cramps and the nervousness and I couldn't sleep well either.
So I was reading in a medical book that the Vitamin "Niacin" lowers Cholestrol and so I started taking it and it did lower my cholestrol by quite a lot. He also gives me a powder that you mix with water called Cholestyramine and together they keep my cholestrol down fairly well. If you get this vitamin called Niacin, be sure to get the NON-FLUSHING kind, otherwise you will get terrible Hot Flushes with it. With the non-flushing brand, I get no hot flushes at all. Hope this helps some of you high cholestrol guys out, out there.
Gene |
Ken Lang
Member From: Simi Valley, Ca
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posted 10 June 2004 08:07 PM
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Since my first post the following events have passed.
I went to the doctor on another matter but told him of the leg cramps. In effect, he really didn't give a $hit. Right then I could tell he had never experienced one. I suspect in time he will understand.
My wife found a calcium chew at Longs Drug store that is about a half inch square with 500mg (daily requirement) and tastes like a candy bar. I bought some potassium tablets that even at 4 a day only supply about 12% of daily requirements, but it's a start.
So far, so good, but I expect results need to be measured in months, perhaps years. |
Patrick Ickes
Member From: Upper Lake, CA USA
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posted 10 June 2004 10:00 PM
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Ken,
Don't waste your time eating 10 Bananas a day. Your local farmers grow Avacodos that have a bazillion times the potassium with out the sugar. They're great with lunch or on a salad.
Pat |
Johan Jansen
Member From: Europe
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posted 11 June 2004 02:16 AM
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Try to find out yourself how you can change the way you sit behind your steel...... |
Ken Lang
Member From: Simi Valley, Ca
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posted 11 June 2004 09:25 PM
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Patrick: Not being a native Californian, tho I've been here 30 years, I never developed a taste for avacodos unless it's in the bean dip, which I do like. Among the trees I have is a pineapple guava that I don't eat either.
Johan: I don't sit enough behind my steel as I should, but if I did and could play half as good as you, it would be worth a leg cramp or three. |
Fred Layman
Member From: Springfield, Missouri USA
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posted 17 June 2004 07:28 PM
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Ken, my doctor prescribed quinine sulfate for my leg cramps about ten years ago when I was having them often, with excruciating pain anywhere from the foot to the upper thigh muscle, and they decreased significantly. I take two 324mg capsules daily and have very few cramps. The few that I have anymore are almost always in the toes and arch of a foot and work out pretty easily by walking or massage. I'm unaware of any side effects and the capsules are relatively inexpensive, less than $5 after insurance picks up the rest. FWIW[This message was edited by Fred Layman on 17 June 2004 at 07:37 PM.] |
Ken Lang
Member From: Simi Valley, Ca
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posted 17 June 2004 08:07 PM
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Fred: Appreciate the thought. On the internet quinine is mentioned but can also have some not so good side affects, so I haven't requested or used it. Since taking the big doses of calcium and some potassium tablets I have not had a cramping session again. Only time will tell if they are finally over. |
W Franco
Member From: silverdale,WA. USA
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posted 22 June 2004 10:19 AM
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Inteesting subject. Just in time to explain my cramps in my right fore arm and legs. I have been taking a double dose of Crestor for about 6 Mo.s to lower cholestorals. Doc says it may reverse the probems I've had (like 2 heart attacks in Dec.). I guess that explaings the cramps. I think it sometimes takes me a little time to warm up when playing also. Because of the info in this post I'll try eating bananas, avacodos, and drink lots of water to see if that works. This was a timely post for me! Thanks!!P.S. Ummmm..I like the bananas but the fruit flys are a real nuisance.[This message was edited by W Franco on 22 June 2004 at 10:23 AM.] [This message was edited by W Franco on 22 June 2004 at 10:26 AM.] [This message was edited by W Franco on 22 June 2004 at 10:29 AM.] |
Jan Nolie
unregistered
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posted 24 June 2004 07:50 AM
I agree with Brad Sarno's comments but might add calcium to that list as well. Muscle cramps are caused by an imbalance in the electrolytes and minerals in the body, including calcium, magnesium and potassium. ------------------
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Gary Ulinskas
Member From: San Diego, California, USA
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posted 30 June 2004 09:33 PM
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Vitmin B1. I started playing soccer again 7 years ago as a way of fulfilling the exercise requirement of the medical study I was part of.
(Nat. Inst. of Health Diabetes Prevention Program). I would get terrible cramps. Sometimes while practicing or playing (I was 56 at the time) and sometimes at night. One of my teammates happened to be a doctor, and advised me to drink plenty of water EVERY DAY. (Water means water - no soft drinks, or other type flavored liquids) + take a few Vitamin B1s a week with one taken the day before our weekly soccer game. It has really helped me a lot.
This would be in addition to some of the other good suggestions posted above such as potasium supplements.------------------
Gary Ulinskas
MSA S-12 + Walker mono [This message was edited by Gary Ulinskas on 01 July 2004 at 04:31 AM.]
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