I have had these cramps for several years, but they get worse during pregnancy. It is the worse pain, and my calves hurt all day following. I feel your pain! My dr. told me it most likely has something to do with a vitamin deficiency, so I take liquid calcium/magnesium. You can get it at GNC or any nutritional store. It's a chalky drink that you keep in the fridge, but it seems to help. I now have just been getting the cramps in my feet every now and then which is not as bad. The dr. told me not to strech the muscle during the cramp, because it could tear your muscle tissue. Wait until after the cramp stops to stretch it and keep it moving for a bit. Good luck!
TANYA_BABYFIT
Posts: 17524
5/14/12 11:40 A
Nothing brings you out of a good night's sleep quicker than leg cramps. Although the exact cause is unknown, research has linked these muscle pains to excessive phosphorus and a lack of calcium and potassium in the diet. If you are experiencing leg cramps you may want to try the following suggestions:
Limit soda to one can a day or less.
Include 3 - 4 servings of milk or dairy products each day.
Consume fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium, such as bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, oranges, and peaches.
Limit processed foods such as lunchmeats, hot dogs, ham, and bacon. They're high in sodium.
Do not stand for long periods of time.
Rest on your side as often as possible.
Gently stretch the calf muscle. Flex your foot by pointing your toe toward your knee.
You may also add a heating pad on the cramped area, but do not use it for longer than 15 minutes at a time.
Hope something works to help you be more comfortable.
Tanya
As parents you establish the teaching, training and expectations for your child in the first 7 years of their life. After that you live out what you set up.
FIT4_2
Posts: 130
5/13/12 8:43 P
Does anyone else get these???? They are so horrible! I did not have them with my son but I have them this time with my girl and they are debilitating. I have a standing job for 8 to 10 hours a day but only 3 days a week. I have them at least 2 of those days. I have just started exercising because I finally passed the sickness stage and get the cramps after exercising too. It gets worse if I have them and sit or lay and get back up, as soon as I am on my feet I am in horrible pain. They keep me awake at night and it's just driving me crazy! With my last pregnancy I developed the P.U.P.P.S. rash ( it's a pregnancy rah found on womens stretch marks that deliver large babies or multiples) and it kept me from getting any sleep in my last few months. I don't want to go through another thing that will keep me from sleep during pregnancy, specially if I get that rash with this one. I won't be able to bear it. Do any of you have these leg cramps? They are in the back of my calves below the knee and at my upper thigh and lower butt-ox.
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