Leg/Thigh muscle cramp help needed

[Enko]

I have since Saturday been in a lot of pain around groin (backside of leg/groin) and all the way down my leg. Last night I realised I actually have a leg cramp and I spend a good hour massaging it to ease it. I then applied ice and this made me relax enough to be able to get a few hours sleep (about 3 am I did this )

I have been trying to work out what to do to get this to go. Stretching the muscle is almost impossible due to the situation of the pain. I "think" it is my hamstring but it also goes down into my calf the worst of the pain is almost by my hip /buttocks area.

I am currently sat on ice again as this really seems to help (but makes calf muscle complain) I have tried using a scarf to stretch out the calf muscle but that doesnt seem to do anything.. I am getting pins and needles in the foot if I am too immobile.

Heat seems to do nothing. I am drinking loads to keep hydrated (then almost bursting into tears when I need the toilet as moving down to sit/standing up is near impossible)

I can walk up and down stairs but not bend this leg (left) and put pressure on it. However if i keep it straight it can take my weight with little discomfort.

Any ideas?

Try gargling pickle juice. Scientists have figured out that cramps are often neurological rather than physiological. They also discovered (god knows how) that pickle juice/ vinegar will stop cramps if it hits the back of your mouth (they have no idea why). So basically take a swig, gargle with it and spit it out after 30 seconds. You can buy it in a special sports formula (called Crampfix) but if you have a jar of pickles handy, same same.

I am drinking loads to keep hydrated

Sounds like your electrolytes are off then, if you're drinking loads of water. I get leg cramps when I'm not having enough sodium and potassium.

If you can get a tub of that Lo Salt, it's 50/50 sodium and potassium and clears my restless legs right up.

You have sciatica

You need to ice the very base of your spine, stretch the low back with gentle eg child pose and no lifting/twisting movements. Ideally see a chiropractor, osteopath or private physio

Agree with moreismore. Classic sciatica symptoms. You have my sympathy. You need to treat your lower back. Physio may provide some relief.

I have read up about sciatica and yes that sounds spot on. I have appointment with my osteopath on Wednesday. fingers crossed. so far 2019 has been awful health wise so this just feels a bit too much (I know small things in the larger scheme but I honestly can't recall feeling well in 2019 earninfection is on 11th type of medication and ENT referral is not end and of August

Sounds like sciatica to me too.
Lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest and grab one knee at a time and hold and stretch it as if stretching to the opposite shoulder and then do the other side. Sorry,crap explanation. Go easy. Physio will help.

I used to suffer badly with cramp (am on Statins so not a surprise!) but have recently started taking a magnesium supplement and I have found it has made an amazing difference. Have gone from having sleepless nights with the cramp moving from muscle to muscle in my legs to virtually none.

L