Never figured that out. I inherited leg and feet cramping from my mother. I discovered kratom which works well to prevent the cramps. It's a mild opioid sold legally, might take some searching to find an outlet that sells it -then I found a 'Compassion Club' in my area where it can be got much cheaper: dollar a gram at the store or 20 capsules for $5. (about 14 grams). 3 grams does me fine, also serves well to eliminate other kinds of pain. Not addictive.
There are several possible causes such as potassium deficiency, magnesium deficiency, and insufficient blood supply. If you are getting old, those three are about equally likely.
Recently I started getting painful leg cramps. When I started taking Magnesium they went away. I also took Potassium for awhile but it gave me heart palpitations. It is known to do that so I quit the Potassium.
"Body Cue No. 5: Crazy muscle cramps in the form of stabbing pains in toes, calves, arches of feet, and backs of legs.
The Deficiency: Magnesium, calcium, and potassium. "If it's happening frequently, it's a tip-off that you're lacking in these," Blum says. And if you're training hard, you can lose more minerals (and water-soluble B vitamins) through heavy sweating.
The Fix: Eat more bananas, almonds, hazelnuts, squash, cherries, apples, grapefruit, broccoli, bok choy, and dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and dandelion."
The given answers about, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium etc are right on. For me, as well as those supplements listed that I use...and extra bananas, Gas was also a culprit. Gas would block the Chi going down through the legs, and I would get incredibly painful calf muscle cramps. Once I take Rolaids (Calcium, Magnesium) or something for gas, and belch it all out the beginnings of leg cramps subside and they don't happen. I get gas from almost whatever I eat, tried acupuncture a few times, and the Dr and I realized what the problem was almost at the same time. The gas would block the Chi and the muscle would start twitching, because the energy flow was being blocked by the Gas. I go to bed at one AM and like clockwork three hrs later the muscle starts twitching and wakes me up. So I take a few Rolaids, belch it all out, and the twitching goes away. And i have avoided a tightened up painful calf muscle cramp. Two bananas a day is good prevention as well...
This post was edited by Baba at October 30, 2017 6:50 AM MDT
Also, do not drink any coffee for a good week or so and see what happens. No cramps? There's your answer.
Quick Answer
Severe foot and leg cramps can be the result of magnesium or potassium deficiency, problems with blood circulation in the legs, nerve malfunction, dehydration and muscle fatigue, among other conditions, according to WebMD. They can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as Lasix, Aricept and Procardia. Continue Reading Keep Learning
How do you eliminate leg cramps at night? What causes feet and leg cramps? What causes muscle cramps in the thigh?
Full Answer
Muscle cramps may also be exercise related, resulting from inadequate stretching before exercise, over-exertion of the muscle while exercising or exercising in the heat, explains WebMD. In pregnant women, leg and foot cramps can be the result of a calcium deficiency. To help ease a muscle cramp, sufferers can try massaging the muscle, warming or icing the muscle, stretching or taking a bath with Epsom salt.
This post was edited by WM BARR . =ABSOLUTE TRASH at October 30, 2017 12:47 PM MDT
Harry 