wannabeminime
Gold Member
I am trying to ss again at the mo, and, as happened last time, i am getting cramp in my legs and feet at night. I rarely suffer with this whilst not ssing. Looking at the causes below, i suspect it's alterations to the level of salts in my bloodstream due to ss. What should i do about it as obviously we should not be having added salt to soups etc. If its lack of potassium how can i replace this? I know that quinine tablets are used for leg cramps, maybe i could have a glass of slimline tonic water at bedtime as it contains quinine? Even better, put a gin in it! Anyone else suffer from this?
What causes leg cramps?
Unknown cause (idiopathic leg cramps)
In most cases the cause is not known. One theory is that cramps occur when a muscle that is already in a shortened position is stimulated to contract. As the muscle is already shortened, to contract further may cause the muscle to go into spasm. This commonly happens at night in bed as the natural position we lie in is with the knees slightly bent (flexed), and with feet pointing slightly downwards. In this position the calf muscle is relatively shortened and prone to cramps. This theory explains why stretching exercises may cure the problem.
Secondary causes
In some cases, the cramps may be a symptom of another condition or problem. For example:
What causes leg cramps?
Unknown cause (idiopathic leg cramps)
In most cases the cause is not known. One theory is that cramps occur when a muscle that is already in a shortened position is stimulated to contract. As the muscle is already shortened, to contract further may cause the muscle to go into spasm. This commonly happens at night in bed as the natural position we lie in is with the knees slightly bent (flexed), and with feet pointing slightly downwards. In this position the calf muscle is relatively shortened and prone to cramps. This theory explains why stretching exercises may cure the problem.
Secondary causes
In some cases, the cramps may be a symptom of another condition or problem. For example:
- Some medicines can cause cramps as a side-effect, or make cramps occur more often. These include: diuretics ('water tablets'), nifedipine, cimetidine, salbutamol, terbutaline, lithium, clofibrate, penicillamine, morphine (withdrawal), phenothiazines, and nicotinic acid.
- Over-exertion of muscles.
- Dehydration.
- Conditions that cause alterations in the balance of salts in the bloodstream (such as a high or low sodium or potassium level).
- Some people who have renal (kidney) dialysis get leg cramps.
- Pregnancy - usually in the later stages.
- An untreated under-active thyroid gland.
- Peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the leg arteries which causes poor circulation).
- Cirrhosis of the liver is a rare cause.
- Lead poisoning.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Rare disorders of nerves.
- Excess alcohol.