Chronic night cramps?

Hi I'm new to the forum but, in desperate need of help & advice.

I've been waking up with what I think are night cramps for the past 2 weeks: I'm woken by this extreme pain in my calf & thigh. It feels that if I move it at all either sideways or draw my leg up to sit up. that I'll rip open! Honestly, its so bad I dread going to bed. It happens between 3 & 5 times a night.

If I get out of bed (which hurts so much) then hobble around for a while it gradually becomes more of a dull ache in my calf & I go back to bed.

The dull ache lasts most of the day as well but, I don't get the excrutiating pain except at night.

My GP has given me "Quinine" tablets but said it could take a month for them to work if they work at all.

I'd appreciate any advice from anyone who has had a similar pain. Was it night cramps or something else??? Due to IBS & stomach problems I cannot take Ibuprofen & find Paracetamol doesn't touch the pain.

Its really getting me down. Please help!!!!

Welcome to the forum Kernowk and its a fairly common occurance and Kayla is correct in saying that sometimes it can be as simple as adding more potassium to your diet as low levels cause leg cramps and charley horses. The dull ache the next day is simply from the muscles and ligaments being strained somewhat in the cramp.

I also find elevating my knees helps some while Im sleeping.

The quinine is an old remedy and med but certainly works but sadly as your Dr said it has to build to the proper blood levels before it does much good so dont stop taking it and try not to miss any doses.

Others will chime in with more things that you can do to help so again welcome to the Hw forums

Vickie

Google it, it's a term used here in the US for the leg cramps your experiencing. They're pretty common but a horrible experience waking up to!

My sister gets cramps in her legs at night and she drinks a glass of tonic water every night & it has eliminated the problem.

Take care....Susie