Ankle/Foot Cramps at night

[MadB 26]

Morning all, quick question to see if anyone has experienced similar.....

I'm 8 weeks post-VSG, (1/27/14). With the exception of one bad dehydration incident that required IV fluids, I've managed well, and am down 52 lbs so far. (272 down to 220, currently in a small stall but can't complain).

My current issue is in my feet though. For the last 1.5-2 weeks, I get woken up by ankle and foot cramps. These aren't your 'typical' Charlie Horse style cramps, (thank god, cause we all know how much they hurt), but are more of a knotting/tightening sensation. I have to get out of bed and stretch my foot/ankle, goes away in 30-60 seconds, rinse and repeat in a couple hours.

It's very strange having a cramp on the top/front of your ankle, lol.

I'm leaning towards lack of hydration, but wondering if anyone else has experienced this, and if perhaps it was Vitamin related too. I'm an out-of-country sleever, so I'm limited locally. But I do have a set up labs that will be done in another month at least

Thanks in advance all. Also, anyone on MFP, user name is Madbullogna feel free to add me!

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Could be hydration, could be potassium. Are you taking your supplements?

Good job on your progress so far!

[jujube 42]

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) deficiency can also cause muscle cramps.

[Chelenka 827]

I get these a lot. I think it's possibly a combination of dehydration, not enough potassium and also my body adjusting to the weight loss. The amount of force and torque being put on your feet and ankles is being reduced rapidly and the muscles and tendons are reacting to the change. Just my theory but I like it. ;-D

[kcipriano 4]

I get those quite a bit if I forget to take Calcium, so I take it right before I go to bed. Also, if it happened, I take a few sips of Water and that seems to stop it. I've been plagued with these for a long time and the calcium really helps. Also, here's one of those "crazy" cures that actually helps. Put a bar of soap between the sheets at the bottom of the bed near your feet! Laugh, but it's helped for many people I know! Hope this helps!

[Who Dat 70461 331]

Had same issue early on (2-3 months post-op), dehydration was the culprit in my case.

Good luck!

[AllisonKara 46]

Ankel cramps may occur because of potassium deficiency or excess running. Dehydration might also be causing it.

[JanetPRN 496]

I get these occasionally also. They are like sharp charley horses in your feet . I take a couple extra calcium chews and they definitely improve. I also tried a banana for extra potassium ( my original assumption about the spasms) but I didn't see much improvement . I had my labs drawn ; no deficiencies , all perfectly normal. You are right about the hydration , though. That should always be you first concern.

[LumpySpacePrincess 594]

I had these for years. Mine cramps were so bad they went from the bottoms of my feet to my hips, and my toes would actually curl into the bottom of my feet!

The biggest help I can tell you is to drink a Powerade Zero before bed. It has electrolytes in it that will help balance potassium (which as others have said may be an issue). Static stretching of the calf muscles and ankle circles before bed will also help increase blood flow to the area and reduce the chance of more muscle spasms or tightness.