No disrespect to the doctor that posted what causes leg cramps. This is the same response I get from every doctor that I have seen for these excruciating inner thigh cramps. I have had charley horse cramps, I have had calf and thigh cramps my entire life...this pain is worse than can be described. A pain so severe you sweat and fear passing out. I have had three children and while the pain of childbearing is severe this is worse. I have had both kidney stones and gallstones and while those and childbirth pains are severe this is worse. I feel patronized by medical professionals who tell me to drink more water,eat bananas and take magnesium supplements. I have done all of the above. I have stretched...I have done everything that works successfully for your average cramp but these remedies don't work on these. We need help!!!!
Hello, mrskclay.
Maybe I will just repeat what your doctors said, but these are the most impactful things you can do for leg cramps:
- Stretch your calf muscles: Stand arm’s length away from a wall and place your hands on the wall. Step one foot back and keep the heel of that foot on the ground. Lean into the wall and feel the stretch in the calf of the back leg. Hold this stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Massage your leg: Use your hands to massage the cramping muscle. Applying firm pressure can help relieve the cramp.
- Take a warm bath or shower: Soaking your leg in warm water can help relax cramped muscles.
- Exercise your legs: Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, biking, and yoga can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in your legs.
- Drink more fluids: Dehydration can be a cause of leg cramps. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet that’s high in potassium, calcium, and magnesium can help prevent leg cramps.
Has your pain subsided in the meantime?