leg cramps....HELP!!!

Have you tried stretching before bed?

Yes, I seem to go through periods when this happens to me. The three things that help are stretching my calf muscles before bed, upping my calcium intake, and making sure I'm hydrated. Usually for me, this happens when I'm slacking off on taking my calcium supplement--so I get religious about taking it again and usually the cramps go away.

Potassium and Magnesium. You can buy the Combo at Wal-Mart... If Extra Water and a Banana Doesn't fix your Cramps in a week. Pick these up.

I have read this is most likely from potassium deficiency. I have had this happen as well, but increasing my potassium through supplements and Lo Salt (potassium salt mixed with regular salt) seems to have done the trick. But you have to take way more potassium than FDA says. I take anywhere from 400-800 mg per day depending on how active I am... You don't store potassium though, so you can take as much as you need, generally speaking. I hope this helps

This...

I also used to have bad bad leg cramps. Even during the day. Changing shoes helped me.
I switched to the sketcher shapeups.. not for the workout value, which is non existent, but they have fantastic arch support. I rarely get cramps now, plus I can be on my feet a substantial length of time with no foot pain now.

Potassium and Magnesium. You can buy the Combo at Wal-Mart... If Extra Water and a Banana Doesn't fix your Cramps in a week. Pick these up.

^^^^^ this.

Low carb was the reason for my leg cramps. Still is. I looked for a multi vit to take every day that had a little potassium and Magnesium in it.

get more potassium in your diet - banana's are best - potatoes are good. Try stretching before going to bed - and if a cramp/charlie horse seizes you in the middle of the night - the quickest way to get rid of 'em is to point all your toes to your face. It'll hurt like hell for 2 or 3 seconds, but then the pain is gone.

This is probably a potassium deficiency. I dealt with the same issues until I started snacking on dried apricots.

I use to suffer really bad but since doing stretching excercises they have improved alot.

eHow Drugs & Supplements Calcium & Minerals Potassium Supplements Who Should Not Take Potassium Supplements? Who Should Not Take Potassium Supplements?

Drug Interactions
If you take medication for diabetes, heart disease or asthma, do not take potassium supplements without doctor approval.

Conditions
Never take potassium supplements without a doctor's consent if you suffer from kidney disease, stomach problems, Addison's disease or health problems requiring antibiotics.

Potassium deficiencies can cause serious problems including muscle weakness, stroke, high blood pressure and osteoporosis, but not everyone is a candidate for potassium supplements. Certain drugs and kidney problems, especially, can inhibit the body's absorption of potassium; taking a supplement may cause a potentially fatal overdose. As with any drug, check with your doctor if you are currently on prescription medications or have an existing chronic condition.

Diet
Consider a dietary change as an alternative to potassium supplements. A low-sodium diet with plenty of tomatoes, potatoes, avocados, bananas, citrus fruits, unsalted nuts, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and green, leafy vegetables will provide plenty of potassium

Do you drink coffee etc.,it dehydrates. With all this heat and humidity I have been drinking 10 glasses of water along with the extra supplements,sure helps.