Terrible muscle cramps

[anorak]

For years now I have been suffering from cripplingly painful muscle cramps. I get them in my calf muscles and upper back if I half-wake in the night and stretch a little, and just below my boobs when I am doing things like a pedicure or tying shoelaces. I don't get them all the time but when I do get them they are terrible. I got one in my calf during the night and it's still aching now.

Has anyone else had this? Is it simply a matter of increasing my salt intake (which I think is high enough already)? Should I consult the doctor?

i think the salt thing is a bit of an old wives tale actually, especially as some say its too much or not enough.

|link{http://www.mamashealth.com/mcramp.asp\have a read of this and the topic on Heat cramps... see if it rings any bells with you.

my daughter gets leg cramps at night quite often and i know its because she doesnt drink enough water and is quite sporty.

btw, tea and coffee do not count as water intake.

|link{http://www.mamashealth.com/mcramp.asp\have a read of this} poop!

have a read of this poop! for goodness sake! teach me not to preview first!!!

Last night I was up about 3 times with leg cramps, anorak! Was stumping around on the coldest floor I could find, bending and flexing - we had a takeaway curry yesterday, I've had cramps after one before (although not always..???) - don't know if this information helps you at all but you're not alone

Theres an old wives tale that says that if you thread a cork on a piece of string & tie it around your ankle,it stops leg cramps completly.

Haven't ever tried it though!