Foot Cramps

[isleangelcc 0]

Has anyone else had problems with muscle cramps?? I've always occassionally gotten cramps in my feet but it seems to be happening a lot more (daily) since I had surgery (2/27/09).

I'm also fighting fatigue. I used to stay up until about 11 every night and could get up in the morning with no problems, but now I'm struggling to stay awake until 9. I'm talking a multi Vitamin religously. Anyone have any suggestions?

[OnTheWay to Thin 0]

Normally muscle cramps and spasms are related to potassium deficiency, try eating bananas and other foods high in potassium to see if this helps.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Did you get your blood tested or are you due? I know my doc requires a "bariatric" set of tests about 3 months post op and much to my surprise even with a great multi, I was short thiamine and Vitamin D!! You should get checked out...it's hard to balance your electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, Calcium, sodium) on your own. Any one of those (too much or too little) could be causing trouble, or it could be something else altogether!

Have your doc check you out; insurance should pay for the testing!

Good luck!

[heartfire 4]

My first thoughts were several:

1. You just had surgery a couple of months ago. Surgery takes a lot out of you and it will take time to get on your feet again. I was about 5 months out before I felt like I was almost back to normal.

2. Iron and B's help with energy. If you're anemic (too little iron) you're going to be tired and could have cramping issues.

3. Are you getting enough fluids?

4. I totally agree with RM, you should get a blood work up to get specifics. You are probably deficient in some areas.

5. Call your surgeon, or e-mail him/her, your concerns and see where he/she takes it.

I get foot cramps sometimes if I arch my foot wrong. Man that hurts! I'm so sorry!

As far as supplements. I take more than just a multi.

chewable multi, 2x/day

chewable calcium/D, 2x/day

chewable Biotin, 2x/day

liquid Omega, 2x/day

liquid Iron, 2x/day

liquid b complex w/sublingual 12, 1x/day

acidopholus, 1x/day (during winter/flu/cold season, 2x/day)

bp med, 1x/day

This is not a suggestion for everyone, this is what I do and most of it (except for the acidopholus and omega) is required by my surgeon. BUT, I feel so much better since getting on this regimen. Also, I was losing copious amounts of hair, starting within 1 month after surgery. As soon as I added the iron (hadn't been taking it til I found a great liquid) and started eating veggies again, my hair stopped falling out. The Biotin doesn't KEEP your hair, it helps it grow back, so as I was losing hair, I had/have all these little, tiny hairs growing in! Also, I still lose hair (we all do) but it's not even as much as what I was losing BEFORE surgery!

Best wishes!!

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

For many years, I have periodically had bouts of bad leg and foot cramps. My doc used to give me quinine tablets and that fixed it right up. But the FDA has banned the manufacture and sale of quinine tablets in the US (it can interact with other drugs and cause terrible problems and even death). My doctor directed me to the soda aisle of the grocery store. Buy TONIC Water. In the morning, I get up and pour a glass and let it go flat while I shower, dress, do my makeup, etc. Then I put a package of crystal lite in it, add ice and drink it. About 2 weeks is enough to bring an end to those pesky cramps. I use a supplement called Berocca Performance (made by Bayer Australia, so I buy it on Ebay). I put that in the tonic water when I pour it, and I add a "serving" of Benefiber for good measure. This works well for me all around.... Vitamins, extra Fiber that I'm sure I need, and a little quinine for the cramps.

[Catherine55 43]

I tend to get foot cramps when I am dehydrated or when I don't have enough of whatever Vitamins I get from eating a banana (I'd say potassium, but I have no scientific proof)! So, when I have that problem, I drink more Water and eat a banana and that sets me right.

Definitely check in with your doctor about this. I know what works for me, but you may be having the problem for different reasons. Hope it gets better soon!

Catherine