Muscle cramps in legs, page-48

My thoughts, from dealing with restless leg syndrome at night for years. RLS and cramps are related, both involuntary muscle spasms in the legs.

1. I have had success with magnesium powder from a health food shop, as opposed to pills. If I get a bout of restless legs, I get up, mix up a powder with water and drink it. The combination of getting up and having a walk around and the very fast action of liquid generally provides enough relief to get to sleep within about 15 minutes. There are several different types of magnesium supplement, including magnesium chelate, citrate, oxalate and others. Some supplements have a mix, some also add certain B vitamins etc to help quick absorption. I tried several different powders before I found one that worked well for me (and one that I could stomach the taste). The advantage it has over a pill is it gives a fast hit of magnesium at a time you need it.

2. Dehydration, as mentioned by others. It's summer and dehydration is a major cause of cramps. Try something like a gastrolyte or hydralyte powder in water (similar to the magnesium) an hour or so before bed, to provide not just the magnesium but all the other electrolytes you need, plus some hydration. You can buy them in packets of effervescent tablets that dissolve quickly in water which is my preferred option.

3. Some people suggestion soaking the feet and legs in Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) but this didn't work for me - worth a try though.

4. If magnesium doesn't help then for restless legs the problem is often due to dopamine levels in the brain, in fact the main prescription drug treatment for RLS is an anti-Parkinsons drug, and there are herbal supplements with a milder but definite effect. But I don't know whether cramps can be related to this too so I'd speak to a doctor before going down this route. I had some luck with the herbal supplement (from a plant called mucuna pruriens) but once I got my magnesium routine sorted out I found I didn't need it any more.

Good luck!