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Thigh muscle cramp

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Guest

I have often had calf muscle cramp, but this is easily dealt with by walking about. However, last night I had a thigh muscle cramp which was far more acute than anything I had had before. The pain was excruciating and lasted ten minutes. My face went grey and I almost fainted. I couldn't walk and massaging seemed to have little effect.

11 likes, 310 replies

310 Replies

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  • karen13913
    karen13913 Guest

    Posted

    gosh, it just sounds like so many of us are having these horrible things, and yet, the medical world doens't know what they are or what to do about them? oysers... 

    I noticed a lot of people mentioned tonic water with quinine.. I was wondering if anyone can explain to me why that is suppose to help, and why some people have mentioned that quinine is no longer available? I noticed some tonic water with quinine in it at walmart a few weeks ago so bought two bottles of it, but I have to admit, I haven't drank it yet.. I'm not sure if quinine is a good idea or not??? I found this warning on a page about quinine and wondered if anyone has any thoughts on the subject: 

    Quinine may cause serious and life-threatening bleeding problems. In some cases, kidney injury can also occur. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience unusual bleeding or bruising (eg, bleeding gums; severe nose bleed; dark urine; black, tarry, or bloody stools; unusual purple, brown, or red spots on the skin).

    Quinine is not approved to treat or prevent nighttime leg cramps. The risk of taking quinine for nighttime leg cramps may be greater than the possible benefits. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about this information.

    • linda57064
      linda57064 karen13913

      Posted

      thanks I'll look more on the pro's and cons of Quinine it' such a unforgettable pain though xx
  • tom99360
    tom99360 Guest

    Posted

    Many people have commented about quinine for the upper thigh cramps but my brother was prescribed quinine by his doctor and the quinine helped but he  still got the cramps frequently.

    I used calcium magnesium tablets forover  20  years and one pill  taken every couple of weeks  completely stopped the cramps 

    Always worked for me

    try them 

    • Rosey93
      Rosey93 tom99360

      Posted

      Hi Tom, yes I have had quinine tabs off my doctor and it has so far stopped them. I am also drinking tonic water, I ran out of tonic water and tabs and started getting twinges again so it must be working as I haven't had any since taking it. TOUCH WOOD!!!.
  • tom99360
    tom99360 Guest

    Posted

    drahul91: I usually had the cramps when I did a lot of climbing off and on my tractor or when I was involved with work that used leg muscles more than usual. 

    i am retired for 20 years now and if I get a twinge in my upper thigh  I immediately take a  crushed  calcium magnesium tablet and then I don't get the cramp. That reminds me ,I haven't had my bi weekly tablet !!

    good luck

    tom

  • donna68907
    donna68907 Guest

    Posted

    My problem started with statins in cholesterol meds.  Since I have stopped that medicine I only get one of them  every 2-3 months.  He put me on prescription Omega 3.  Drugstore  Omega 3 did not work.  Good Luck
  • margaret12390
    margaret12390 Guest

    Posted

    It's interesting to find out about so many others with similar cramp issues.  Just points to the fact that our food "ain't what it used to be".  But, let me get to my reply because it's 3:30 AM!!!  Tonight I was minding my own business turning over(while sleeping peacefully) when I was awakened by the wrenching pain of a cramp in the muscle of my right inner thigh.  I reached over to my bedside table and grabbed my 8 fl. oz spray bottle of "MAGNESIUM OIL".  Hit that leg muscle with enough spray to wet it, and within seconds the muscle had relaxed. I can't remember how many times that stuff has come to my rescue.  It is also a wonderful pain reliever.  It is not actually an oil, but Magnesium Chloride Brine.  I order mine on the internet, and usually keep a 64 oz. bottle to refill my smaller spray bottles.  The magnesium oil is better used "dermally"(through the skin) than taken in pill form because it can get immediately to where it's needed. Still a nice massage is nothing to poke a stick at.....Back to bed.  Hope this helps someone.
    • karen13913
      karen13913 margaret12390

      Posted

      I've been having these horrible thigh cramps for years, too. I've posted on here before, but wanted to update having read what you wrote about magnesium oil.. I totally agree with you on this stuff.. I've been making my own (it's super easy.. Magnesium flakes and distilled water) and spray it on my thighs daily. I've also made sure I'm drinking lots of water because I have noticed there seems to be a connection there. I didn't really think there was a connection at first, but I've changed my mind about that, as I can feel the tightning of my muscles on days when I'm very active and have not drank much water.  I'm also using magnesium lotion as deorderant, which I know may sound crazy, but it works just as good as any deorderant out there (without the dangers of aluminum).. Haven't had a cramp in months. Had not thought of keeping a bottle of the magnisium spray next to my bed.. That's a great idea! I'm going to do that... wink
    • tom99360
      tom99360 karen13913

      Posted

      Karen:I have used Calcium Magnesium pills for years to control and prevent upper thigh cramps. I take one pill every week or two and this keeps me cramp free!  

      I have never heard of magnesium oil  or seen it in the drugstores

      Whatever works!!

      tom 

  • dan14706
    dan14706 Guest

    Posted

    We are experiencing the exact same thing.  I play golf and everytime I return home and sit and relax a bit and then attempt to get up....then BANG...I am forced to stand up totally erect in excruciating pail for at least ten minutes before it goes away.  Short breaths and moaning...I am so embarrassed I go to my garage and endure until gone.  I am going to try tonic water after golf to see if there is any improvement.
  • pjdzeos
    pjdzeos Guest

    Posted

    Without question the inner thigh cramp is one of the most painful events I have ever experienced.  I tried to 'walk' it out and became sick to my stomache, broke out in a severe sweat, became dizzy and almost called 911 for assistance!  To make matters worse, no sooner than I got on top of the inner thigh cramp I got another cramp on the front of the thigh - thought the 'big' one was coming

    !!!  Furthermore, the back of my leg and behind my knee was very sore for days following the event.  I feel my cramps came from unused muscles as i climbed around step ladders for a week doing a home project while on vacation.  Certainly not fun to experience!

  • wanda77205
    wanda77205 Guest

    Posted

    HelloI want to help you with your cramps. Do this and your cramps will go away. This is for real. Put a bar of soap between your sheets in the bed by your feet. Leave it in there every night. The cramps will be gone. This is from an older family member. My husband suffered with cramps and spasms. I put a bar of soap in our bed. No more pain. He suffered for years and now nothing. Please do this and you will be pain free. Send a message back please. Thanks
    • lindaj12018
      lindaj12018 wanda77205

      Posted

      I tried this and it worked for a while; I think it was a "mind over matter" thing as my cramps came back.  I've tried just about everything I've read, had a gazillion tests, and no answers.  I started seeing a chiropractor last year, and it seems to help.  I haven't been cramp-free, but the cramps are less frequent, especially the thigh cramps, and less severe.  I also take Magnesium taurate and B-12 chewables.  I've resigned myself to the fact that their isn't a cure for me, but the vitamins and chiropractor have made them much more tolerable.  I am not, nor ever been on a beta-blocker, which seems to be a trigger or cause for people who take them.
  • wanda77205
    wanda77205 Guest

    Posted

    Hi, Thanks for the response. The soap will continue to work but you have to put a new soap in your bed every two to four weeks. There is something in soap that wears out after awhile. I use Dove soap and i change it every month or more. Also, make sure you are drinking lots of fresh water as well. I know its important. Try the soap once again and let me know. Some people have used two soaps but I found one is good. Please try again. Thanks Wanda
  • Cheryl2007
    Cheryl2007 Guest

    Posted

    This is the first time I have found anyone who has these horrible cramps! I don't know what causes them, but the only thing that relieves them is heat. I have actually stumbled into the show with my PJ's on and kind of let my affected leg hang, praying for the water to hurry and get hot! 

    I have been taking magnesium at night and it seems to help prevent them. 

    • jan52884
      jan52884 Cheryl2007

      Posted

      hi Cheryl2007 i have suffered from cramps for probably 40 years and they ramped up about 20 years ago then in the last 6 months triple ramped up to the point where i fly (carefully) out of bed every 1 1/2 hours and have to use a strong hair dryer to heat the muscles cramping for 15-20 mins before going back to bed for hopefuly a sleep for the next 1 1/2 before i fly out of bed again.  i have been to specialist after specialist my magnesium level is excellent but i swallow megtuar cell x 2 a day plus B12.  my liver is excellent.  my spirit is somewhat exhausted and crushed and i am so tired.  my cramps are now not just at night but will happen in the day.  i do stretch but i dont have much flexibility in my movements.  i feel crushed by it all.......

       

    • sheila36860
      sheila36860 Cheryl2007

      Posted

      Hi Cheryl12007,

      sorry to hear that you have joined the thigh cramp club! I 

      have suffered with cramp for more years than I care to remember but about 18 months ago I started getting it in my thighs and spreading into my groin it really is then most excruciating pain that you can have! ( I would rather give birth any day)  I recently went back to my Doctor for blood tests and they have discovered that my vitamin B12 levels are very low, I am in the middle of a 2 week period of five injections, they don't know if this is the reason for the cramps but I will try anything and will post the results if they do help. Like you I find heat is the only thing that helps at all.

      sheila

    • Cheryl2007
      Cheryl2007 sheila36860

      Posted

      Hi Sheila and thanks. It is so good to finally find others who expereince this! I have searched online many times with no luck.

      My thigh cramps are high up and in the inner aspect of the thigh. Have had them for several years too. For some reason much less in last couple of years. Don't know why. Doctors just give me a blank look when I tell them about them. You cannot stretch this out or massage it out, for sure. Only heat and I want it quick! LOL. 

      I hope the injections of Vit B12 works for you. Keeping fingers crossed. Magnesium may have helped me, but I think I began having less of them before I started it. Not sure. 

    • Cheryl2007
      Cheryl2007 jan52884

      Posted

      Jan, I can so empathize. Is the cramp on the inner aspect of your thigh, up high? That is where mine is. 

      I used to sleep with a heating pad between my thighs. That helped prevent them. Not always, but helped. 

      My magnesium and all blood levels were fine, but I gave it a try anyway. All I know for sure is I have of them over the past two years. Not sure if that was when I started the Magnesium or not, but I keep taking it. Figure it can't hurt. 

      Sorry you are having so much trouble. I know what you mean. It does interrup sleep for sure. I don't think anyone who has not had one can really understand the agony. Much worse than a calf cramp, since one cannot just stand on their leg and get rid of it. 

    • dan14706
      dan14706 Cheryl2007

      Posted

      Cheryl,

      May God bless you. I have been experiencing these excruciating pains after golf. No one can understand just how bad they are without experiencing it. I have avoided them by drinking Diet Tonic water as a preventative after golf. It's the quinine in the tonic water that seems to help avoid the attacks

      Perhaps it will help if you can predict when to take the drink. Adding vodka to the tonic water doesn't hurt either 😀

    • sheila36860
      sheila36860 Cheryl2007

      Posted

      Thanks for your good wishes Cheryl, I'm hoping for the best. I don't think any of the Doctors really know the causes of cramp it seems to be trial and error on their part and sheer fluke if they hit upon something. 

       There seem to be so many people suffering with this particular form of cramp I just hope they find something soon.

      Sheila 

    • Cheryl2007
      Cheryl2007 dan14706

      Posted

      Glad you found something that works and what aggravates it in the first place. smile
    • Cheryl2007
      Cheryl2007 sheila36860

      Posted

      You are welcome. It is nice when someone else understands, for sure. All true I think. Of course, dehydration often is a precursor, but with the inner thigh cramp, not so sure. I know I get foot cramps if I wear a different shoe than what I have worn for several days before. I suppose some people are more prone than others to get them. 
    • kim23506
      kim23506 Cheryl2007

      Posted

      Cheryl,

      My shoes make a big difference as to whether or not I get cramps, and God forbid my feet get cold, then I can plan on it! I'm so tired of the blank looks and no concern when I talk to my doctor about them! I do think chiropractic care is helping. Good luck!

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