Thigh muscle cramp

Friends, I have dealt with both the calf and excruciating thigh cramps after laying on a soft surface (bed or sofa), but over a year ago was helped by a friend who is a professional nutritionist. She works with an oncology group to help people going through chemotherapy with their nutrition and blood chemistry balance. Here's what she said:

1. For cramps BELOW THE KNEE, you need more MAGNESIUM.

2. For cramps ABOVE THE KNEE, you need more POTASSIUM.

I purchased an over-the-counter Potassium supplement, and my cramps disappeared almost immediately. I also take a magnesium supplement just in case. I only take what is recommended on the bottle. 

I've noticed I only get them now when I am a little dehydrated, or I eat carbs/sugars late in the evening (popcorn or potato chips!). As one who exercises regularly, I have used a product called Accelerade to replenish electrolytes. I also now take it if I am ill and need more nourishment.

Hope this helps. 

I forgot to mention this in my post immediately above: for groin cramps, I have found that leaning back from the waist up (as long as you don't pass out!) stretches the muscle. It is very hard to do in the middle of the cramp because of the pain, but it generally relieves the immediate pain.

Hi Bev

I have been given quinine by my GP and so far seems to be working. I have had twinges but by pressing really hard into the muscle it has stopped it but this would not have helped prior to taking the quinine. Also when I press on the thigh when I am not having an episodewhere it normally begins it is very tender, so I don't know if this has any bearing on it. Also it used to occur when I had lay on the settee and on getting up it would go. The pain is unbelievable, and yes unless we are at the doctors when it happens I don't think they will comprehend the pain. This is the most painful type of cramp I have ever had and I have never been prone to cramp before this. I am also still drinking diet tonic water as an added caution but only about a pint a day. Hope this helps.

I agree with everybody's comments about magnesium and potassium, but I believe that caffeine plays a part too. Also my hip feels like it's out if socket, and possibly 3rd lumbar is out. I had an attack today and passed out from it.

I have been suffering from these thigh cramps for more than 20 years.  In fact I get cramps everywhere....in my calves, lower legs, feet, toes, hips, hands and even in my upper abdomen. There have been many times when I got a cramp in my foot and/or leg just from holding my foot in one position on the gas pedal. When it happens, I have to pull off the road and get out of the car until the cramp passes. The cramps in my lower leg are also very painful but nothing compared to those I get in my thighs. They are absolutely excruciating.  All I can do is stand up, stretch my leg and don't move a muscle.  I just massage my thigh as hard and quickly as I possibly can while praying to God that it will end soon. Walking is totally out fo the question. Any kind of movement just makes it worse.

I never took any kind of prescription meds on a regular basis so that definitely was not a factor.  I also tried quinine which didn't help ,drinking more fluid didn't help and even though I've taken, and still do take magnesium everyday, that hasn't helped either.  I also take 50,000 units of Vitamin D every week. I'm now 74 yrs. old and uinfortunalel,y In the past year I started taking Neurotin for neuropathy caused by chemotherapy and I take celebrex for arthritis.  Neither has had any effect on the cramping.  

My thigh and leg cramps last anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes. I have asked several doctors about them,including an endocrinologist but no one has an answer as to what causes them, nor what might cure them.  I  am desperate to

try anything that might work but so far, there has been nothing.  I sure wish medical science could come up with a cure. Unless someone has had one of these cramps, they have no clue how horrible the pain is. My only consolation is knowing I'm not alone.

 

I have written here before, but I think that it needs repeating. Pickle juice..I take a jar to the bedroom every night and, in case of a cramp, usually several swallows will make them subside in about a minute or two. I use the bread and butter, but dill is the suggested type. So simple, but it works for me, both feet and lower legs, and those horrible upper thigh ones. Good luck.

Hi, Ive read alot of these discussions and got some good info as well as some heartbreaking info too. I'm 47 and I've had lower back surgery 5 yrs ago and ive actually lost 48 lbs since Jan. 2015. But these upper leg muscle cramp/ spasns on both legs wake me every night.. It's 2 am now & I've gotten 4 hrs sleep. I've been on pain meds in the past but thankfully I'm off of those now. But what can i take or rub on my legs to ease the pain soni can get a little sleep? I did readca post about wearing tights or leggings to bed to help.. That does help me too as well as tight socks. Lol any advice i would soo appreciate. Ny 11 yr old gets up in 5 hrs & I NEED SOME SLEEP!

I had HORRIBLE thigh muscle cramps last year.. Excruciating pain! only the hotest wet cloths would calm them down.  My doctor suggested that I get a blood test to check my potassium level.. It was HIGH.  I had been eating apples, bananas, potatoes and tomatoes EVERY DAY.  When I stopped eating them, the cramps have GONE.  I recently had another potassium test to see how it was now.  I dont have the results yet but should soon.  I am hoping that they show the level down consideralby, I would love to be able to eat those 4 favorite foods, at least in moderation.

Hope this information has helped some of you out there.