The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[igm46]

Can anyone help me??!! I have been searching the site looking to see if It is okay to take potassium pills. I have added a fast suop and boullion, and drink at least 80 oz of water but my cramps have been pretty bad the last week. One day actually had me limping most of the day. I feel better this weekend but the soreness from the week is still there. Will it hurt to take potassium pills? Please help!! Need answers.

[Loribug]

I take potassium but it is prescribed by my physician, I wouldn't know where to begin to tell you how much to take, it could be very dangerous. I suggest you ask your physician.

[BerkshireGrl]

Can anyone help me??!! I have been searching the site looking to see if It is okay to take potassium pills. I have added a fast suop and boullion, and drink at least 80 oz of water but my cramps have been pretty bad the last week. One day actually had me limping most of the day. I feel better this weekend but the soreness from the week is still there. Will it hurt to take potassium pills? Please help!! Need answers.

First, I would suggest a call or trip to the doc too. Potasssium supplementation is not really something you want to self-medicate on beyond a tiny amount; with it being a main contributor to regulating heart beats.

I'd suggest a sugar-free low-carb sports drink, and less water. You might be flushing too many electrolytes. Try only the 8 daily glasses of water for a week and see what happens. It's good you're on the salty stuff too A couple aspirin or Advil will lessen the leftover cramp pain -- I've gotten some doosies myself in the past that had me pacing my bedroom at 3 AM with my calf muscle actually twisted inward Not a pretty sight!

Here is something off WebMD about cramps that may help you too I bolded some important bits...

What's a Charley Horse?
Charley horse is another name for muscle cramp, so yes, you've got a charley horse. To squelch the problem, get stretching!
By William Ross, MD
Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD

Question:

Sometimes when I stretch my calf I get this intense, tight cramp that just lingers there for a few seconds before loosening up. Sometimes this happens at night while I'm sleeping -- either in my calf or my toes. Is this what they call a charley horse, and why is it happening?

Answer:

Charley horse is another name for muscle cramp, so yes, you've got a charley horse. To squelch the problem, get stretching!

When a charley horse strikes your calf muscles, straightening the knee and flexing the foot up at the same time can stretch out the calf and ease your cramp. The classical runner's stretch where you extend the leg straight behind you and lean forward with your palms braced against a wall can help prevent calf cramps. After stretching for a good 20 to 30 seconds in this position, bend your knee far enough so that your heel lifts slightly off the ground. This will stretch a deeper muscle in the calf and the arch of your foot at the same time. For a foot cramp, the simple motion of extending the foot forward can usually solve the problem.

Stretching when cold and done too vigorously can actually create injuries, so be sure you're warmed up before you begin. Simply walking or running for five to 10 minutes will do the trick. The best time to stretch cramp-prone areas is after you exercise. Stretching after your workout will help you increase your flexibility and range of motion in the muscle and may help prevent recurrent cramps.

Most muscle cramps are just a result of working your muscles hard. But occasionally, muscle cramps are caused by temporary imbalances of calcium, potassium, or magnesium. "Sports drinks" may help stave off this type of cramp. If you get cramps often, though, talk with your doctor to find out what else you can do to prevent them or to find out if you have something more serious.

Some prescription drugs can also cause muscle cramps, so if you're taking any, ask your doctor or pharmacist if they might be to blame.

Bottom line? Stretch well and stretch often.

William Ross, MD, is a sports and family medicine physician at the Center for Sports Medicine in San Francisco. He is also director of sports medicine at JFK University in Orinda, Calif. Ross has served as a physician for the U.S. Olympic Training Center and several San Francisco-area ballet companies.

Originally published Oct 30, 2000
Updated January 2002

[igm46]

Thanks for responding. I will speak to my doctor this week!! I'ts nice to know that I can count on everyone here to help!!

[Arklahoma]

I have this problem and my MD ordered magnesium in addition to potassium and muscle stretches.