Leg Cramps

[carol ann 5]

When I go on A restricted diet I always get severe leg cramps and i'm worried that I will have that problem after surgery.Anyone has that problem?

[DevilBlueDress 189]

When I go on A restricted diet I always get severe leg cramps and i'm worried that I will have that problem after surgery.Anyone has that problem?

You should definitely bring this up with your doctor. My best guess is that it might not happen since you'll have to take extra Vitamins and sometimes leg cramps are due to low Vitamins and nutrients.

Molly

[DLCoggin 1,788]

I had cramps in my feet following the surgery. Now I know this is going to sound just plain crazy but believe it or not, my PCP told me to put a bar of soap under the sheet at the foot of our bed. Just plain old soap - nothing special. I thought he was crazy and told him so (he's been my PCP for a long time) and he agreed that it sounds ridiculous. But he insisted that he has had positive feedback from patients who tried it and even suggested that I Google it. But hey, it's cheap, it's easy, it doesn't require a Rx - why not?

Soooooo, I tried it. And I have not had a cramp since. Can't explain it. Wouldn't even try. Never took the time to Google it. But it worked. Go figure!

[carol ann 5]

Is the soap wrapped or unwrapped?

[DLCoggin 1,788]

I don't recall my PCP specifying but I put it under the sheet unwrapped.

[carol ann 5]

O.K. i'll try anything! Thanks

[DLCoggin 1,788]

Please let us know if it works for you too!

[carol ann 5]

Myy surgery isn't until Dec.19th.

[DLCoggin 1,788]

Best Christmas present you could possibly imagine! You're gonna love the new you!!

[donewithdieting2 7]

I'm two years out.

Had extremely bad cramps in my ankles and feet , esp. at night. I went to the doctor, I thought of infection, start of arthritis, just something not right. After many tubes of blood they came back essentially negative. I figured it out myself. I was dehydrated.

When I would drink at least 64oz of water/ crystal light per day I was ok, when it was less I had cramps at night.

My mother who has RA told me about cramps she was having I told her to drink more Water, and it worked for her.

Not to give medical advice--I would recommend getting more good Fluid daily to see if that will help. (coffee and pop are not "good fluids" to rehydrate)

[DLCoggin 1,788]

I also have read that dehydration can at least contribute to if not cause cramps. I recently read a recommendation that drinking an 8oz glass of Water before going to bed has a number of benefits including reducing cramps. My bar of soap worked so well that I haven't tried it but the water makes a lot more sense! Lol.

[The Icy One 518]

I am prone to leg cramps. Unfortunately, the bar of soap trick didn't work for me. Things that help are staying as well hydrated as possible and taking Magnesium. I now have to break up the tablets to make them work with my band but anywhere from 500 to 750 a day help keep me cramp free. If I do notice that pre cramp feeling coming on, getting up and walking around and doing gentle stretches until it passes helps.

I hate leg cramps and I wish there were a way to prevent them, altogether.