Foot and calf cramps while in bed?

Hey everyone, I've been having a problem recently and it's really bothering me. I run on the treadmill and do the elliptical every day for about an hour. I normally swim (I swim in college) but since the season is over this is now my cardio. My problem is that during and after I run my legs feel great; however, during the night WHILE I'M SLEEPING and early in the morning when I'm tossing and turning and everything, if I ever so slightly bend and/or move my feet or legs in a certain way I will get a very painful foot cramp or calf cramp. I am prone to these - I get them in swimming a lot, but I get them while I am swimming and never afterwards. Now that I'm running for cardio, unlike in swimming my legs feel fantastic during and after the workout but then cramp up while I'm sleeping. What's the deal?

Hi!

I know this sounds really, REALLY bizarre but I have been told, by several people, that they have been told by doctors to drink pickle juice.... I know...sounds nutso but when my toes are pulled upward as far as they can go, I'll do anything.

Try a shot glass full and see if that doesn't help.

Sandy

That used to happen to me A LOT and it is SUPER painful!  I was told two things, first to eat more bananas or foods rich in potassium.  Second was that right when you feel the pain coming on to point your toes upward, or flex your foot so its at a 90 degree angle to your leg, it stops mine right away everytime now.  A useful bit of advice that I wish I had gotten much sooner!  :)  Hope these help!

I have the same thing. :) On the inside of the arch of my foot it will cramp like crazy as well as my calves. Mostly at night. Sometimes after working out too.

Lots and lots and lots of stretching is necessary. Although my problem is I stretch and will cramp sometimes. Now THAT is fun! I also have problems with a sore lower back (which cause my leg muscles to ache at night) and a very tight neck. So my doctor suggested yoga. I just started and hope it helps with everything. I'd suggest it for you too. :) I'm hoping that the nightly yoga will help stretch those muscles out better.

Get a good amount of potassium (not too much though - 4.7 grams a day is recommended but if you're 'athletic' you need a little more). But low potassium is a big cause of leg/foot cramps. Prunes/plums & potatoes have more potassium than a banana. And you also get it from oranges, tomatoes, raisins, spinach, etc. I like raisin bran cereal because it's got raisins AND is potassium enriched. I take a potassium supplement too and it has helped.

And drink lots of water. Dehydration is a big cause too.

Here's an article on Mayo for you:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/night-leg-cr amps/AN00499

The same thing happened to me and I started eating at least 1 banana a day (sometimes two) and it went away!

oh man, i have this problem too and it hurts! i don't like bananas very much, but i guess i'll try to creatively infuse one into my diet. :)

As others pointed out: foods rich in potassium or a supplement would most probably help you. Bananas are very high in potassium, but there are many other potassium-rich foods: http://www.essortment.com/all/potassiumfoodh_ rkyn.htm

You should also take a Calcium-Magnesuim supplement if you don't meet your calcium requirements. If your body needs calcium, you would most likely get pain in your calves.

Hope this helps.

ok get this... my foot cramps up when I have an orgasm, lol.  Its the WORST!  Bananas do seem to prevent it though...

sorry if that was too much info, haha

Don't know if this will help, but I just posted my dad's bizarre cramping issues:

http://caloriecount.about.com/forums/post/951 98.html

Original Post by morganbclaw:

ok get this... my foot cramps up when I have an orgasm, lol. Its the WORST! Bananas do seem to prevent it though...

sorry if that was too much info, haha

hahaha that happens to me sometimes too.  It's a ... weird experience.   I mean, what can you do?  And after that, it's all ruined.