[kyteflyer]

Not the usual in the calf muscles, but at the side and in the ankle. The pain is so intense, I feel quite nauseated. I know its because of poor blood flow (I have partially blocked arteries in both legs) but apart from massaging with a herbal cream and eating salt... what other solutions are there? I've tried magnesium, b/c complex vitamins, and in extremis, making a drink of Eno (which is full of sodium) and having that. It usually takes about 20 minutes to have an effect... IN addition to this, I also get cramping in random locations: under shoulderblades (ie between shoulder blades and ribcage), in neck if I yawn too wide, in upper abdomen if I bend too far to left or right... and also even more randomly in my arms, hands and fingers. Its getting really tiresome.

I *have* to have lasix and aldactone as per my cardiologist's instruction, because of heart failure/congestion, and I'm feeling like I am stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place. (though I am very grateful to be able to breathe!)

Anyone found any reasonable solution?

 

[Cricket]

Have you tried pickle juice already?

 

[kyteflyer]

Have you tried pickle juice already?

Pickle juice? As in the liquid that pickles come in, in the jar? No, I thought that was just vinegar. (we call them gherkins over here )

 

[Cricket]

Pickle juice? As in the liquid that pickles come in, in the jar? No, I thought that was just vinegar. (we call them gherkins over here )

When I deal with muscle cramps a shot of pickle juice solves the problem in minutes. (Yes, the juice in the pickle jar.)

 

[kyteflyer]

When I deal with muscle cramps a shot of pickle juice solves the problem in minutes. (Yes, the juice in the pickle jar.)

I'll give it a try next time i buy gherkins... just not something I eat regularly.

 

[Cricket]

I'll give it a try next time i buy gherkins... just not something I eat regularly.

I always have pickles in the icebox that have no juice. I really should start actually eating the pickles instead of just using the juice. LOL

 

[itissteve]

I always have pickles in the icebox that have no juice. I really should start actually eating the pickles instead of just using the juice. LOL

Or -- if they're vinegar-brined pickles and not lacto-fermented -- just make your own brine.

 

[kyteflyer]

I forgot to mention that I only get this particular kind of leg cramp when I am in bed, sleeping. Because it woke me at 2am, I had to go back to bed around 8 and you guessed it, 9am woken up again by another cramp in exactly the same set of muscles. Its making me crazy.

 

[Cricket]

I forgot to mention that I only get this particular kind of leg cramp when I am in bed, sleeping. Because it woke me at 2am, I had to go back to bed around 8 and you guessed it, 9am woken up again by another cramp in exactly the same set of muscles. Its making me crazy.

Mine only happen in bed at night too.

 

[Rolaids]

Lately I've been getting cramps in my legs, around the calves, as a mailman I walk 15 miles a day, but the last year it's but getting worse and worse. A co-worker highly recommended Vitamin B-12 by Solaray. Haven't tried it yet, will be visiting the local vitamin store to see if they have any.

 

[Tapestry]

I'd suggest you contact your cardiologist (the one who prescribes your lasix and works with your blocked arteries). I'm thinking this might have something to do with low potassium, as well as a progression in your blocked arteries. It might be time to have another doppler done.

 

[kyteflyer]

Since my original post on this, I've actually managed to control the foot and ankle cramping to a degree, with Berocca (multivite, dont know if its available everywhere). However, I had a HUGE calf cramp, which I used to get years ago and had not had in decades, and my leg is still painful over 36 hours later. I had forgotten to take my Berocca that day. But oh gawd, what a nightmare. I woke up yelling, just as well the only companion I have here is my cat, who thought I was yelling at him! Cant walk properly and have had to break out the walking stick.

@ Tapestry... always thought it was about low potassium but my doc says not, all blood tests come back with potassium in normal range. And yes, do need a new ultrasound on the arteries, I expect they are worsening slowly, however I have annual checks with a podiatrist who checks my pulses and blood pressure to the toes, and so far its all good. I'm due for another check in October so I'll wait til after that before d/w cardiologist.

The trials of being diabetic. Arent we luckyducks?

 

[Squawkx]

Since my original post on this, I've actually managed to control the foot and ankle cramping to a degree, with Berocca (multivite, dont know if its available everywhere). However, I had a HUGE calf cramp, which I used to get years ago and had not had in decades, and my leg is still painful over 36 hours later. I had forgotten to take my Berocca that day. But oh gawd, what a nightmare. I woke up yelling, just as well the only companion I have here is my cat, who thought I was yelling at him! Cant walk properly and have had to break out the walking stick.

@ Tapestry... always thought it was about low potassium but my doc says not, all blood tests come back with potassium in normal range. And yes, do need a new ultrasound on the arteries, I expect they are worsening slowly, however I have annual checks with a podiatrist who checks my pulses and blood pressure to the toes, and so far its all good. I'm due for another check in October so I'll wait til after that before d/w cardiologist.

The trials of being diabetic. Arent we luckyducks?

You have a sense of irony, and that is very good to have, as a diabetic. I had cramps in my thumbs, and they would draw up, and it hurt. And nothing that I did alleviated it.

One of the members here suggested that cholesterol meds might be the problem, so I quit using it. And so far, it has turned things around for the good. The cramps have really diminished, and when I feel one coming on, I use salt water.

The pickle juice is a very good idea too, I might try that myself. I love pickles anywho, so why not drink the juice.

 

[Alan42]

When I have had leg cramps it was usually in my calfs. I used to have numbness too in my hands and feet. Getting massages have helped alot with both of those things. Also drinking more wter.

 

[kyteflyer]

Came back to this post because I had completely forgotten about pickle juice. I never did follow up on that advice but now its become imperative. I get woken by cramps every night whether I have had lasix or not… or rather, when I have lasix (frusemide) the cramping issue keeps on for 2-3 nights, not just on the night of the day I take it… a delicate balaancing act and my cardiologist had no solution. Have an appointment with my GP on THursday, and will ask for a referral for ultrasound and a vascular specialist. Today, a trip to the supermarket for soup/stew veggies, and pickles. Its time for change.

I should say that walking around in the house does help to stop the cramping at the time, except, of course, walking is difficult in the first few minutes, but if I can do it, it helps a lot. Sick of sleep disturbance though, especially in cold weather…

 

[mbuster]

Pickle juice helps me, so does diet tonic water with quinine. I was making my own electrolyte drink, that worked very well, but my BP med tends to cause a storage of potassium, so I drink it less now than I did. I'd be sure to ask my doctors if potassium supplementing would be allowed in your case.

 

[JagTac]

I see that this has been ongoing for a while with you now. Are you still taking salt based solutions? I would think that the sodium and your taking of Lasix is counterproductive. Make sure your doctor knows what you are trying.

In my case I am getting muscle and nerve pain and cramps at night. I do believe it’s circulatory based and not neuropathy. I try the usual muscle rubs during the day with some temporary relief. Recently I picked up a jar of this.

Soothing Night™, 17.6 oz (1.10 lb) 498 g Powder - Jarrow Formulas

Shop Jarrow Formulas Soothing Night™ to support your body and immune system while you are sleeping.*

jarrow.com

So far it has helped quite a bit. It has two forms of magnesium plus potassium bicarbonate which gives it a fizzy taste. The sleep blend has worked very well and thus I have stopped taking Benadryl for that. I haven’t been awakened by cramps or pain since I started this. It has not affected my BG readings at all. I drink it about 45 minutes prior to going to bed.

Just for clarification, I am not a healthcare practitioner nor do I work for Jarrow.

 

[Bunjee]

Vitamin B12 specifically methylcobalamin has worked dramatically in some cats with neuropathy. Don't know how well on humans but it's worth a try. Sublinguil tablets at Sams' club are not very expensive and cherry flavor.

 

[PhoenixFire]

I have magnesium powder in hot water, every night, and rarely have calf cramps anymore.

 

[Bunjee]

I have magnesium powder in hot water, every night, and rarely have calf cramps anymore.

OP mentioned already using magnesium. Some of us don't need much. Some don't respond. It sucks.