The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[katieb920]

So Last night I woke up with a huge Charley horse in my leg. My husband thought I was crazy <img src="http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_11_10.gif" alt="SmileyCentral.com" border="0"><img border="0" src="http://plugin.smileycentral.com/http%253A%252F%252Fimgfarm%252Ecom%252Fimages%252Fnocache%252Ftr%252Ffw%252Fsmiley%252Fsocial%252Egif%253Fi%253D4%252F4_11_10/image.gif">. I was litteraly hitting my leg so the pain could go away. I think I asked about this a long time ago, I just can not find the post. Does any one know what causes this.

[Joy]

I have had the same thing...so bad that my toes curl. I have started on a multi-vit that is also mineral rich. I have always treated Charlie horses with bananas, but can not now. As best as I understand it is a potasuim shortage?

I read also that some of the soups as a last MF meal before bed have helped others or bulion because of the sodium. Not sure why sodium leads to helping, but it is what I read in the forum.

regards and best wishes,
sfjoy

[DogMa]

According to the Mayo Clinic's Web site, no one knows the exact cause. Possible causes include:
Muscle overexertion
Prolonged sitting
Dehydration
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Decreased potassium levels
Neuromuscular disorders, such as Parkinson's
Some medications, including albuterol, niacin, diuretics and some calcium channel blockers and anti-psychotic medications
Alcohol use

To help prevent night leg cramps:
Drink plenty of fluids during the day
Stretch your leg muscles before bedtime
Get adequate potassium in your diet

This may help it go away if you have one:
Walking on the affected leg
Massaging the affected muscle
Straightening your leg and flexing your foot toward your knee until you feel the calf muscles stretch
Applying a cold pack to the affected muscle
Taking a hot bath

[katieb920]

This may help it go away if you have one:
Walking on the affected leg
Massaging the affected muscle
Straightening your leg and flexing your foot toward your knee until you feel the calf muscles stretch
Applying a cold pack to the affected muscle
Taking a hot bath

Thanks Robin and JOy. I am probally going to take potassium pills.
So I take it beating it up does not help

[llrickman]

i believe the fast soups are high in potassium too. I have noticed since i started MF i don't have near as many leg cramps as i used to but i also drink 50 times more water than i used to usually at least a gallon and a half a day

i imagine the bullion help because its high in sodium and help you retain more water

[holberry]

I am the queen of happy legs at night. I have extreme restless leg syndrome. When I had a sleep study last summer my legs flopped and twitched over 100 times an hour!
So Im on a presciption med for that. But magnesium taken at night really helps. Also calcium magnesium together is good.
Best of luck it's not fun,
hols

[Mike]

Fast soups and the Maryland Crab soup have lots of potassium. Other products too, but as a snack choice, the fast soups are great.

[DogMa]

The Mayo Clinic site made a point of saying leg cramps and restless leg syndrome are two very different problems. With different causes and solutions.