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I have had multiple episodes of intense leg cramps. I’m male 39 years old but it started when I was in my early 30’s. I’ve only passed out twice. The first time both legs locked up and I made my way to the bathroom to try to drink some water. Moving under those conditions was probably the most painful thing I’ve experienced yet. I didn’t feel right and was trying to get my wife when I passed out. I remember hearing a loud thud but don’t remember what happened. I woke up bleeding from my eye and my wife was there. Unfortunately the cramps were still going.
The second time was today. I had walked around 25000 steps while at work and came home exhausted. My right leg seized up about 2.5 hours after falling asleep and woke me up. My wife was there the whole time and she said I slumped forward while I passed out. She shook me awake and this time I laid back and passed out again. The pain lasted about 20 minutes and then the relief that came was almost instant.

I know of lactic acid buildup but not necessarily how it works. I knew I was in for something so I took muscle relaxants and BCAAs before going to bed. Obviously there was more to try I guess

My wife suggested calcium/magnesium/vitamin d complex and a bunch of electrolytes. I’ll try that and the pickle juice.

If I get anything to work I’ll try editing this to let you guys know
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Have had intermittent, debilitating cramps in upper inner thigh/ adductor area. They come on suddenly, sometimes after intense workout, sometimes not. No pattern. Almost passed out from the pain. Pickle juice give me instant relief. I found little pickle juice shots at the store and I keep one on the nightstand. Also tonic water helps, but not as fast as pickle juice. The juice hits the back of my throat and the cramp releases. I think it may have something to do with the vagus nerve. The juice isn’t metabolized first, just the act of swallowing as it passes down my throat brings relief.
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Hi all, I had an intense episode in my inner thigh last night. Worst one in 15 years. I was lapping the house and hitting my thigh like a mad man and it was only getting worse. Half way though I sat down in the hallway to stretch and it got so bad that I actually fainted! I’ve never fainted from these cramps before and it freaked me out a little.
When I was in my late twenties and started getting these Cramps routinely (calf and thigh cramps) It was at the time my vericois veins in my calves started showing. I had them all stripped and didn’t get any cramps for 10 years.
Now the veins in my right leg have surfaced again and the cramps are back (just in that leg).
I went to the specialist to look at getting them stripped again but they cannot operate this time as the vein is paper thin and could lead to problems.
So for me the surgery worked, for 10 years anyway. I would recommend seeing a vein specialist if you have a visible vericois veins in your calves because it was a beautiful 10 years while it lasted. And to all that suffer, I love you and I feel your pain. Xo

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Oh my goodness, Linda listen, listen Linda, no no no no, Oh no Linda, I am just a few minutes passed having lost consciousness, from inner thigh cramps that are mind-bendingly potent transmitters of pain. I am still sweaty and now I have a headache to boot. I'm going to say that there's no way that I'd ever believe that this is something as common as a cramp, and without an underlying medical issue. This is really a dangerous position to be in, isn't it? I am able to say that my personal housekeeping sloth has paid off, i had fought the pain with everything that i can muster, and I'm tough, "for a guy" and i'm only mentioning it as an admission to women that most of us know that y'all are tougher. Ok, so there iwent to the restroom as it was get to the toilet NOW or pee the bed. I tried standing in front of toilet I began to feel sick, then all I remember was trying to sit on the edge of the tub, then I woke up later face down in a large pile of clothes. So, this time I had passed out due to the sheer intensity of the pain, NO this isn't normal, Must find out what this is sistah, I could've bounced off the counter-top or the toilet etc.
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I usually get foot and tie cramps that are like a legit 8 out of 10 on the pain scale. But tonight I had the inner thigh lock up and I was in such extreme pain. I think it was 10/10 as I hyper ventilated, broke out in a clammy sweat and was losing my vision and seeing strange things. After two minutes if going in and out and losing my vision, I started to really worry. So I went to get help. My vision fully blacked out as I reached the bedroom door and then woke up about 10 feet further. I have no memory of opening the door walking another 10 feet and falling to hit my head. Once I woke up i knew I had fell and hit my head, also hurt my arm and hand and knee. My head must have hit the corner if the wall, as there is a dent there and on my head. Anyhow, once I woke up, my vision was back and I crawled up the stairs asking my family members for help and almost asked for an ambulance and was going too during the worst of it.

I know we have skeptics in this thread. But I absolutely know what causes my cramps. There is a perfect storm (which I hope I never do again). 1) Hard Exercise of said muscle group. 2) Too much sugar/carb. I am not talking about a cookie or a single candy bar, but an entire pizza or something like 2k+ calories in one sitting (a binge)

I have developed disordered eating patterns over the years (IF may not be to blame, but for me, it really lead to binging).

This episode was a wake up call for me. I kept ignoring what I knew to be true. Hopefully this time is the last time that I will flirt with this. On a positive note, I confessed tonight after this episode to some family members that I have disordered eating and struggling with bringing in junk food. So, I kept that hidden. No more. Now they know. I guess that means I am serious. I am 42 years old, male, fit and in good shape. Not fat, not diabetic and am an avid weightlifter and cyclist. On the outside I look like I have it together, but the truth is, I am not so great with being "healthy".

Tonight, I legit thought I was going to die and then felt so pathetic knowing someone would find me dead with a c**p ton of candy wrappers on the bed/floor. How embarrassing. Not how I want to go out. Pain was legit 9/10 or even 10/10. Worst pain of my life even worse than charcoal getting seared and stuck to my big toe. Yes, even worse than that. I swear, I have PTSD flashbacks of this inner thigh cramp pain. I mean no disrespect to those that have actual PTSD.

The scariest part is losing vision when your eyes are wide open or seeing severely distorted images or tunnel vision. The seeing stars is kinda legit.

I hope everyone here figures this out for themselves. I don't wish this on anyone. For me, too much suger and too many carbs are the reason.

-Gabe
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Until today, I’d never experienced this. I’ve had cramps before but this time it was so bad that I could barely stand and I could not walk at all. It was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced. I literally felt as if I was going to pass out. My mom ran to get me a glass of pickle juice and ice packs for my legs and it soon eased off. My mom has had these cramps before so she recognized it when it happened to me. I saw that another commenter mentioned pickle juice. It worked for me and my mom drinks it when she feels the first threat of a cramp and it staves them off before they become really bad. She tried to get me to drink some before this episode just as a precaution but I didn’t listen. Figures….
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Health Hero
1626 posts
Hello.

Muscle cramps can be incredibly painful and distressing, causing temporary muscle contractions that may lead to intense discomfort.

While pickle juice is a home remedy that some people believe can help alleviate muscle cramps, it's essential to remember that individual responses may vary, and the effectiveness of such remedies hasn't been extensively studied or proven scientifically. If you find that pickle juice or any other home remedy provides relief for you, it's okay to use it if you're comfortable doing so.

If you are experiencing muscle cramps, here are some general tips that may help provide relief:

- Gentle stretching: When a cramp occurs, gently stretch and massage the affected muscle to help relax it. Avoid any sudden or forceful movements that could exacerbate the cramp.

- Apply heat or cold: Applying a warm compress or taking a warm bath may help relax tense muscles. Alternatively, applying an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth can help reduce inflammation and numb the area.

- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day, especially during and after physical activities.

- Eat a balanced diet: Ensure you are getting enough nutrients, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium, as deficiencies in these minerals may increase the likelihood of cramps.

- Consider pickle juice or tonic water: Some individuals find relief from muscle cramps by drinking pickle juice or tonic water, which contains quinine. However, be cautious with tonic water, as it can interact with certain medications.

- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with muscle cramps. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any medical conditions or take other medications.

- Gentle exercise and stretching routine: Regular exercise and stretching can help prevent cramps and improve muscle flexibility and strength.

- Avoid overexertion: Pace yourself during physical activities, and avoid pushing your muscles to the point of exhaustion.

If your cramps are severe, frequent, or persistent, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions or potential deficiencies. They can provide personalized advice and recommend appropriate treatments or further investigations.
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Hi,
Great relief reading not alone, the pain makes me miss kidney stones. I have passed out, live alone have adult son with server Autism l care for so worrying
My warning signs are days after upset stomach, alcohol, hard physical labor over days.
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This has NOTHING to do with stretching or diet. Those who suffer understand. This post does not belong on here.
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