How to get rid of leg cramps?

It seems my arthritis medication (Remicade) is not having the effect it used to- nowadays my legs and feet are forever on the edge of cramping- this in spite of a year-long four times a day dog-walking regimen that his increased my walking mileage (and leg strength) considerably.

I have it on the edge of my brain that increased potassium may be the key, but I'm not sure. Any ideas/nostrums/drugs from the DU store of experience?

(I also take Ultram, which has been up to now a pretty good pain killer. I can't increase my dosage any more because I'll end up sleeping all day, or end up with a hole burned into my stomach. It seems to not be working too well right now- I've probably built up a hell of a tolerance to it.)

and drink milk before bed. That helps me.

-probably the better part of a gallon over 24 hours. 2% milkfat, which means it's mostly water.

Take a combination of Calcium/Potassium supliments...also you probably need to take a Selenium suppliment---

Calcium and Potassium have to do with how muscles contract....taking a good quality suppliment should clear up your problem (IF you are somewhat deficient) within a day or two.

besides, I just had a bone density test earlier this summer, and it came out okay. So I guess I'll just have to go hunt down a bunch of bananas.

Now I just need to figure out where bananas hide at night, and which weapon to use when I find them.... :rofl:

dense as granite; however....if you are not DIGESTING enough calcium to affect the way your muscles contract and relax, it's not going to do you any good.

Here is a website to read about calcium and muscular movement:

http://web.indstate.edu/thcme/mwking/muscle.html#calcium

btw...it's boring.

And you should read up on calcium and magnesium supplements...along with potassium. I know it seems like you are drinking "alot" of milk. But your muscles spasms are your bodies way of telling you "something" is wrong.

I was a paramedic for 10 years....and have forgotten most of this stuff.

Good luck with everything,

Stephanie

Bananas are always good but my stomach always hurts after I eat one. Why don't you try this for a couple of weeks and see if it helps.


http://www.gnc.com/

GNC Potassium Gluconate 99

That has quite a bit of potassium as well.

Make sure you are stretching before you walk as well.

extra doses for a few days, then stay on a regular regimen, and it seriously should help.

you might want to assess your body movement. Maybe walking is a part of the problem. You could be over/under working certain muscles.

There are a thousand ways to heal the body.

One of my favorite types of bodywork is called Traeger Therapy. I practice this one because it really works.

Be well.

Just being helpful, as usual.