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leg cramp

A

aqualung

Well-Known Member
Messages
695
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
I had really bad cramp in my leg about 5 this morning. I assume this is due to lack of salt. What is the best way to stop this? The tension then moved to my neck and shoulder, the cramp went and the pain moved to my shoulder and hip. I am now very tired
 
Indy51 said:
Could also be magnesium. If you have some epsom salts, a nice hot bath might help.
Click to expand...

my friend takes magnesium for the menopause, could the two be linked?
 
Haven't heard about it in relation to menopause - just seems to be a very strong opinion in alternative medicine circles that most people are deficient in magnesium these days. Also, it's a safe supplement to take because if you over-do it, your body will let you know about it pretty quick smart - ie. it's a good cure for constipation as well
 

Hey there,
Can you get yourself a drink with electrolytes just to make sure you're not low in sodium, magnesium (as @Indy51 has already been mentioned) or potassium.
If you can't get hold of one, or don't fancy it, try eating a couple of mouthfuls of raw spinach leaves - high in both potassium and magnesium.
Hope it gets better soon - let us know if you turn into Popeye!
 
I take magnesium and potassium pills which got rid of my awful cramping within a few days.


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

Diagnosed prediabetic Easter 2014. Just left to get on with it, no guidance or help from GP. Every day I'm learning something new.
 
Leg muscle cramp, especially in bed, is also a symptom of calcium deficiency. Honestly, it could be anything! Have you any other symptoms that might narrow it down a bit?
 
no just the cramp I think last time they checked my calcium was ok (about 6 months ago) but I have to go to see the GP in 2 weeks time so will mention it then
 
I mentioned that I thought I had calcium deficiency to my DN. She took a blood test this morning. Results tomorrow. My symptoms are really ****** finger nails (used to be very strong and long talons) and leg cramps at night. My other blood tests from last week were all normal (sodium etc). I am very conscious that because I'm no longer drinking milk or fortified low fat stuff I'm not eating enough calcium. There isn't enough in my daily yogurts and I eat very little cheese. I was mortified to discover there is no calcium in butter!
 
Occasionally, in hot weather, I will get a cramp in my calf, at night (why always at night in the same muscle?!?)

I take a normal old potassium supplement from that well known high street store h&b, and the problem disappears.

If I don't take the tablet, the cramps continue for days.

Of course, as soon as the weather turns cooler, I forget to take the tablet, so no chance of overdosing for me!
 

Do you eat leafy greens? Masses of calcium in them.
And stonking amounts in things like sesame seeds, if you can eat them.

Theres a myth, put about by the dairy industry, that we need dairy products for calcium. The reason I know it's a myth is that human beings did not evolve by drinking cows milk. So we can easily get calcium, in easily accessible and digestible forms, from foods like:
http://greatist.com/health/18-surprising-dairy-free-sources-calcium
 
How do lactic intolerants get their calcium?
I'm not into dairy, I must get them from veg! I hope!
 
it was in the front part of my leg and then went into my toes. After that I had pain in my hip and shoulder but I get that alot, I have a vitamin D deficiency so take tablets for that but not calcium.
 
aqualung said:
it was in the front part of my leg and then went into my toes. After that I had pain in my hip and shoulder but I get that alot, I have a vitamin D deficiency so take tablets for that but not calcium.
Click to expand...
Aha!

Apparently, you need vit d in order to absorb calcium.

The thot plickens.
 
The sunshine


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

Diagnosed prediabetic Easter 2014. Just left to get on with it, no guidance or help from GP. Every day I'm learning something new.
 
Then I don't need supplements! My tan is fine!
 
It's the calf muscles with me and only on one leg!

I'm not a leafy green veggie fan at all. I do eat tons of salmon though - tinned with the bones, so maybe I am getting enough. I'll know tomorrow. My potassium levels are normal.
 
Strangely I used to get cramp almost everywhere. Since diagnosis I seldom get it . So I assume my diet is less crampy now.
 
I knew vitamin D and calcium were linked but not sure how and why. In January 2014 my calcium levels were normal as were sodium and potassium.
 
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