Hi xyzzy,
I work as a window cleaner, up and down ladders every day.
I often use to get leg cramps. Still do occasionally, but far less so, and more often now caused by falling asleep in a chair, and the subsequent position of my legs bringing something on, either on getting up or interrupting my night's sleep
A few years ago, I started getting attacks of gout. Okay at first - simply thought I'd stubbed my toe. Just couldn't remember when !
Then they worsened - extrememly painful toe, and shouting at the dog to keep away (he's so friendly, bless him)
I needed a solution, and google came to the rescue. I started taking baking soda, and effectively cured my gout. No subsequent attacks.
A few months ago, in the dr's surgery with high blood pressure, being told to lay off the baking soda (alleged sodium link to high BP)
Stopped for a while, and now take it occasionally.
Observation : the taking of baking soda for my gout seems to have improved my leg cramps. Possibly a coincidence, but again google would suggest otherwise :
"Baking Soda
Baking soda, again, like vinegar is helpful for so many things. All it takes is ¼ teaspoon of baking soda mixed with a glass of water after strenuous exercise or activity to prevent leg cramps. One reader claims the "soda neutralizes the lactic acid that forms in muscle upon heavy exercise." So if you have a problem with leg cramps, taking baking soda with a glass of water should prevent the cramps from happening in the first place."
http://voices.yahoo.com/home-remedies-l ... 60351.html
But I've also read that cramps can be caused by pregnancy. Might be worth checking
From an occasional fellow sufferer :cry:
Geoff