Leg cramps & Restless-legs Information for Senior Citizens

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leg cramps

Here we will post information regarding leg cramps or "restless legs" and what to do about them. We solicit input from others. Here is your chance to speak out or help other senior citizens. If you wish to send information appropriate for senior citizens please send us an e-mail.

LEG Cramps --- I am sitting here with two legs that are heavy as cement and as big around as a small tire. My arms and abdomen are swollen. I am a diabetic with neuropathy, severe. in nearly 100% of my body. My leg cramps are helped somewhat by Norflex at bedtime but not always. Now my legs feel as though they are mangled. I have retinopathy, heart failure, spondylosis,arthritis, osteoporosis, and my sugar readings are normal. I take Rezulin and insulin shots. I also have Pernicious Anemia and for that I take B12 shots. What else in the line of vitamins, or minerals could I take for the cramps? They are to the point where I cannot walk them out as my legs are too numb and no longer able to pole vault out of bed and walk. It is the most painful thing I've had to endure in my life. It seems never ending and I actually have thought I"d be in good health if I didn't have to cope with these legs. I cannot walk and ride a scooter and use a wheelchair. Any suggestions? -- "Loyce Rae Jordan" loyce@dragonbbs.com
WEBMASTER's Note: When I read this and think that I had leg cramps, I'm reminded of the story of the man who felt sorry for himself because he had no shoes untill he met a man who had no feet.
Crazy Solution To Leg Cramps -- This will sound crazy. on a medical talk show they talked about leg cramps. You use a regular bar of soap, any face soap, small or large. Place it in the bottom of your bed under the sheets. In only a few days it will work. My uncle, dad, and my self use it and it works. No more quinine water. The first night I get a cramp, I change it and throw the old bar of soap away. IF THE REST FAILS WHY NOT TRY THIS. OUR FAMILY SWEARS BY IT AND IT BEATS TAKING ANY PILLS. Janene Mirto jmirto@cboss.com
Leg Cramps -- i'm 83 and suffered with leg cramps for a number of years. i try to walk them off. when you get them in both legs at the same time it's hopeless. it feels like knives cutting in my upper thighs. my nurse friend says lack of calcium. some readers have advise b-12 which i take and vitamim e. i take e-400. i take legatron over the counter pills, one at night before i retire at night. that has helped me most. i'm on chemo and sit for three hours for the treament once a week. just recently i've experinced cramps in my thighs. i sit with my feet elevated, too. the legatron shouldn't be taken when you are going to drive or do other things when you need to be alert as it makes you drousey. so it dosen't help in this case. i hope i've helped someone. -- vern craig bus82@webtv.net
RLS Leg Cramps - I have had these awful cramps or muscle spasms for many years. I use these natural pills sold at K mart called"muscle cramps" and have had relief. I also press my forefinger between my nose and upper lip (across like a mustache) and it does help too. Like one of your contributors I also think I am hypoglycemic since I crave sweets at night too. I agree with you that they are the most painful things I have ever endured. Thank you for listening Rose Ramore@gte.net
Re: Leg cramps -- Rev. Ralph J. Karl,OMI" - Hi Folks, Have done my research reading the various messages about leg cramps. Most of you strongly suggest to lay off milk and milk products. Others say quinine is the answer but it is no longer available. I have found the solution for myself. I don't drink milk after 12:00 Noon and I have a substitute for the quinine. An hour before bed time I take half a glass (4ozs.) of wine and half glass (4 ozs.) of quinine water. The quinine water is used in mixed drinks and contains enough quinine to do the job. The large bottles cost about 1.00. The wine is whatever pleases your taste. Results after 6 months of this remedy: NO NIGHT CRAMPS OR PAINS all night long. Hope this helps. Padre.
I am 65 years young. I also have restless leg, I found a way to releave my syndrome. I see a Chiropractor once a month for my lower back he keeps me well- adjusted. Anyway I found two exercizes that take only a few minits. Siting on a chair i bring my legs up and straight out forceing the- heals of my feet out for about 15 seconds that stretches the tendons at the back of my legs. I do that 3 times it feels like the museles and tendons in my legs pull and stretch. The other one is to stand about 30 inches away from a wall with my- elbows aganst the wall keeping my body in a straight line forceing- the heels of my feet in to the floor by forceing toes up for 15 second. With these two exercizes SLEEP LIKE A BABY. Ben Carpino benjocelyn@cyberportal.net
Your note gives me hope. I've long had an occasional, strong spasm in right arm or right side, but for past 2 years increasing and constant cramping in right calf and foot. Now extends to upper leg. Usual night or morning cramps after sleeping, but this tight muscle condition in leg is ever present. Slightest twise produces strong cramp. I now have prescription for quinine sulfate and will use it regularly for a while and hope it helps. Even had surgery for spinal stenosis (laminectomy) but that gave only slight and temporary relief. It must be chemical in origin...Do you hold with the suggestion (on list) that milk, especially at bedtime, can foster the cramping? I drink a good bit of milk. Thanks. BP (am impressed that you even checked at Stanford as well as Mayo...difficult to persuade doctors to take this seriously...they just advise stretching). Blanche Pavlis tamucat@dnet.net
7-19 Vitamin E -- I don't see anyone suggesting the use of vitamin E for leg cramping. I used to wake every night with severe leg and foot cramps and had taken quinine for them with only mediocre results. A doctor told me about vitamin E and I have used it since, for ten years now, and have only rarely had a "rude awakening" from muscle cramping. I take it in the morning and before going to bed. Should I have a cramp in the night, I take more and get relief quickly. The amount needed varies from person to person. I upped the dose until I could sleep through the night. I believe that I have had other benefits from it as well. Eileen Hook Authorized User eileenhook@olympus.net
Restless Legs -- I have had this problem off and on throughout my life. It was much worse when I was pregnant. I finally discovered that it was caused by milk amd milk products ingested before lying down such as in the evening before bedtime. I have almost entirely quit drinking milk and only use it occasionally but never never in the evening or if I am going to be in bed for any length of time such as when I went to the hospital for surgery. I had no trouble in the hospital with restless legs. So try leaving milk alone. I know many people drink warm milk before retiring and this is the worst thing to do. Also B-Complex vitamins make it worse. Ora Royce Newarkmt@Worldnet.att.net
A researcher at the Mayo Clinic is trying to raise physician awareness about Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in which patients feel a creeping, crawling, jittery, tingling, burning, or aching sensation in the arms and legs. Dr. Michael Silber, of the Mayo Clinic's department of neurology and sleep disorders center says the condition can bring on chronic insomnia and could effect up to 10-15% of the population. He speculates that normally-suppressed nerve impulses remain unsuppressed in those afflicted with RLS. Around 40% of patients recall symptoms before the age of 20 years and 2/3rds report progression of symptoms. He notes that dopamine, morphine, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants seem to help suppress symptoms. There appears to be a mean of two years delay in correct diagnosis of the syndrome. report is in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings (1997;72:261-264).
I too, have severe leg cramps (tendons have torn). I found this list looking for possible resources for quinine. My cramping is due to post polio syndrome. I've done very good compared to others. I've been taking calcium, magnesium, ibuprophen, but in my case it is VERY important to keep the legs inactive for 5 to 15 minutes each hour. If I don't do that, it doesn't matter what I take. Likewise, if I rest my legs it does no good without the calcium, magnesium. Thank you. Nicolette. ishgooda@tdi.net
Leg Cramps & Vitamin B-12 Hi there, I have been reading up on the many people suffering leg cramps and RLS and would like to submit what I have uggested to at least 6 people and 5 out of those 6 have no leg cramps at all including muscle spasms in the arms that are no longer a problem. I believe the help comes from vitamin B12 however to be on the safe side the actual vitamin they have taken has been stress formula high potency vitamins B + C 500 mg. This contains 10mg vitamin B12. This product has also helped many of my friends with menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings and emotional moments. I'm sure this will help some if these people. Caper@netcom.ca.
Leg Cramps -- Since 1991, when I was first treated with radiation and chemotherapy, I have experienced painful cramps in my hands, feet and legs accompanied by a feeling of worms crawling under the skin in my legs after retiring at night. I have taken quinidine and that may have marginally helped, but taking more drugs is not the answer for me. Heating pads on the affected area, getting up and emptying my bladder have helped but wearing warm cotton socks to bed has probably given me the most significant relief for the feet and legs pain. Crocheting, writing and using my hands more have strengthened them and reduced the pain in them. Contributions to this section by others have helped me and my 88 year old mom. Thanks, Marian Hopp, email maribob@riverview.net or visit http://www.riverview.net/oliver -- Marian Parker Hopp, Author, Publisher Oliver Press, & Fashion Consultant. 4958 Croton Hardy Drive, Newaygo, MI 49337; 616-652-7889.
I have had severe leg cramps off and on for years, now am getting foot cramps. Have been using 325mg of Quinine Sulphate, now am told by druggest here in Jacksonville, Fla. they can no longer obtain the product. Some in Washington said they may cause heart problems in some people. Just like Metholite [sp] they took that off because if you drank enough you might get Mercury poisoning.There is one druggest that is compounding some 325mg Quinine Sulfate for me. E-mail John Fry - jfry@southeast.net
Leg & finger cramps -- I'm 82 years old and have had cramps in various parts quite frequently. I've tried a variety of CURES? but it wasn't until my wife insisted that I drink lots of water even though I wasn't thirsty. Since following that bit of advice I have had cramps only when I slipped up. E-mail Ben Roosen --- raroosen@sprynet.com
Severe Restless Legs -- I remember as a teen, possibly even younger, wanting to beat on my legs, and was told it was growing pains. When I was in my mid 20's I was on a blind date in a movie theatre and I couldn't be still. The more I tried, the more I felt like I would explode if I didn't move, so I would get up and go to the lobby, again and again. Needless to say He didn't ask me out again. It truely seems to me that it got worse when I started taking a drug called trivile for another problem, which I took for many years. I'm 63 now and its worse than ever. I've even used a rolling pin on the muscles in my legs (rolling, not beating) Now Its gotten soo bad I am constantly stretching to my limit, and finding myself in the stretched position without even realizing it. In other words I can't relax. When I realize this and relax, minutes later I'm back in the tightened stretched out position I don't know it this means its' in my stomach now or not. I've been reading these informative letters, and some are saying its in their arms, so far that hasn't happened to me. God forbid. Has anyone else ever reached this stretching and wiggling and can't stop. My e-mail address is June K. Wharton -- jwharton@bwave.com Thanks for bearing with me.
"Burning" "Tingling" restless feet, legs arms or legs -- If you experience restless legs or feet that you have to keep moving in order to get relief from the unbearable "tingling" sensation, then visit the restless leg net site. If you type in RLS on the YAHOO search line, you wile find the support group site. -- Thanks to Robert Kerr -- kerr@aurora.nscee.edu
Restless Legs -- I have suffered with this complaint for many years, spending hours at night walking around the house and massaging my leg, it is only my left leg which gives me trouble. Some months ago, while taking a night-time walk, I decided to void my bladder. On returning to my bed I slept peacefully for four hours. Now, whenever the trouble strikes me, the first action I take is to void my bladder and I can then sleep for some time. Such action may be peculiar to me as some years ago I had a massive internal operation and I think that possibly my bladder was replaced in such a position that when it fills up it presses on a nerve or blood vessel which causes the problem. Perhaps other sufferers may find some relief by this method of bladder control. -- from John D.C. Willmott johndcw@gil.com.au
From the Webmaster -- I have been told that there is a website relating to legcramps. You can reach it at RLS, Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc. -- http://www.rls.org/. I'm not sure RLS is really related to leg cramps. If anyone knows more about this please e-mail me at Webmaster and I will post relevant information.
I have suffered leg cramps for many years..sometimes so bad I wondered if I would eventually lose my legs..Recently I have noticed that along with everything else--every time I hear the word FRONT on TV weather I can just sit back and wait for the cramps to begin,...Does ANYONE else have this problem or am I grasping at straws? -- from straits@erols.com
Restless Legs -- Hi Walt. Nice to run into you (not literally, of course) on the Internet. Re: night cramps/muscle cramps. Many times, the muscle cramps occuring in the night are related to back/neck problems where nerve irritation is occuring because of muscle spasm, soft tissue tightness, or joint disorders in the vertebral column. It might be of benefit to look into a stretching/exercise program to relieve some of the tightness and lack of motion in the spine. General muscle relaxing techniques are also beneficial for some people - e.g. hot tubs, heating pads to areas that are commonly tense, relaxation exercises, etc.
See your local physical therapist - I'll be somewhat prejudiced by suggesting that the older P.T. is more familiar with the problem, since they probably have the same thing happening to them and will be more empathetic, not to mention that they probably have developed a few home remedies of their own. My best regards; Jane Blair, PT (Siskiyou Home Health)- currently on medical leave. thanks to jblair@snowcrest.net
My father is 84 years old. He had leg cramp for many years. He also took Quinine to help. However, Quinine is not a finite solution for him. The cramp kept on coming back and got worse. Four years ago, he took advice on drinking one glass of milk a day (skim milk if you prefer as my father does), he has no more cramp. When he is travelling and forgot the routine, he'll get the cramp back. You have to be disciplined. Of course, it won't help you immediately after first couple days. I know how painful it could be as my father described to me. Hope this will help you. Good luck. I believe in natural remedy than drug anytime. thanks to Maria Lian -- elian@newssun.med.miami.edu
The suggestion of 325 mg. quinine sulphate in the evenings has worked for me, but, if you don't like taking pills using "tonic water" for your beverage will do about the same thing. Either dietetic or regular has the quinine in it. -- Thanks to Ron Beal - boxfox@azstarnet.com
I have occasional foot cramps (used to be much worse), which started perhaps ten years ago. It is results from hypoglycemia, one of the problems attending maturity onset diabetes. My blood sugar does not run dangerously high, but it is a matter of concern, because of possible long-term effects on the eyesight. An episode will run thus: I will get reckless at an evening meal, and eat too much sweet. The excess sugar will spill (as seen by Miles Labs Diastix). Later during the following sleep period, the blood will swing into the hypoglycemic state, and I will be awakened by foot cramps. Getting up and walking to the refrigerator to get a small glass of orange juice usually takes care of the immediate problem. One stratagem that I use near bed-time is to eat a non-sweet, heavy carbohydrate (a bagel with cream cheese), which digests relatively slowly. For me this works. Weight loss and exercise are traditionally recommended for this condition. It seems to have some benefit for me. Thanks to Claude R. Hudgens -- chudgens@erinet.com
I am 72 years old. Conerning leg cramps, I was waken up about 2 times every night with terrible cramps. Doctor gave me Quinine Sulfate capsules of 325 mg. The cramps stopped about four times I awoke with the cramps and checked if I had taken the capsule and found out I had not taken one. Every time I took one I did not have any cramps. From John Rudzinski -- yosh@epix.net
I've had severe muscle problems for years. These result in muscle cramps all over my body but to a greater degree in the thighs, calfs and arms. I've had extensive neurological tests at the Mayo Clinic and the Stanford Research Hospital. Even with a muscle biopsy, the cause has never been determined. I've been prescribed all sorts of epileptic medication, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and more without help. I've undergone accupuncture, accupressure, homopathy treatments, and blood thinning again without help. I also was given an injection of calcium, magnesium, B6 and B12 directly into my blood stream and it made my muscles feel like normal for a period lasting for 5 days after each injection. I tried quinne sulfate, the 64 mg quantity sold in pharmacies for "restless legs" with little noticeable effect. Not until I started taking quinne sulfate capsules of 325 mg was I helped. I take one tablet each night before going to bed. If you consider this option, check with your doctor first to make sure its safe and doesn't conflict with your other medications. Walt Cheney.