Leg cramp at night..

[Anonymousbird]

.. enough to wake me, searing pain behind the knee type area, and just below, always in the back of my right leg. I don't think it is how I am sleeping as due to back problems I tend to sleep in a very "even" lie..

Occasionally get it during the day.

I am active, do a lot of walking.

Any ideas anyone as to what might cause it, or trigger it at night?

Just a thought...i had this a few years ago. Never had it previously and couldn't work out what was going on. Then one night, i realised my leg was really cold and that the onset of the cramps had coincided with me switching from warm pyjamas to a short nightdress. A simple switch back and never had them again! Hopefully this helps?!?!

dehydration?
lack of salt through vomiting/diarrhoea/sweating?
wrong sort of exercise?

Do you have any other symptoms, such as discomfort in your legs or itching?

I had cramps like this a few years ago, it turned out to be the start of Restless Leg Syndrome - it may be the same for you, if it is secondary RLS then it can be a sign of an underlying problem so is worth mentioning to your doctor next time you see them.

One tip - increase your calcium, some say magnesium too, so personally I'd say for now to get a good multivitamin containing calcium and magnesium, see if that helps. Oh, also try a couple of paracetamol before bed too.

glass of tonic water before you go to bed, proper stuff not slimline. I had bad cramps when pregnant and this is what the midwife told me, also worked on non pregnant friend.

five - thanks, but I have a reaction to quinine!!!!

Damn! I love tonic too, unfortunately although I can drink it occasionally, and just about get away with it, every night would probably finish me off good and proper. However, that would sort out the cramp!

Kasha - have never heard of RLS. I will investigate google like mad that. Many thanks.

I got a lot of leg cramping when my ED was bad. My dr suggested lack of salt or potassium. Was told to eat more broccoli and spinach and bananas.