Inner thigh cramps that make me pass out

Last night after lying on the sofa watching TV I had my 8th inner thigh cramp. I sat up and it grabbed me. When you tell someone about these cramps they say yea they know but until you have one in the inner thigh you don't know. The pain in unbelievable! I have had 3 full blown cramps and just had to endure, seemed like nothing helped. But the last 5 I have been able to stop by immediately laying flat on my back, extend my legs straight out hard and point my toes at my head as hard as I can until the cramp stops. You can't talk, or move while they last they are so bad but this has stopped them in 30 seconds. It is such relief. My husband tried to help the first few times but it just helps to have him there by me. I've tried more water (I already drink at least 8 glasses) calcium, stretching, and it seems they have a mind of their own, it just happens. But this did work for me so I felt I needed to share just in case it might help someone else. Hope so. Remember, flat out, legs straight out hard or stiff, point toes to head hard till pain released. Good luck

As a fellow sufferer of these violent, unrelenting cramps, I have tried to analyze the precursors. Dehydration definitely contributes to some, but not until I'm in bed at night after a day of strenous exercise or heat without adequate hydration. I also agree with the writer who says to keep legs straight in bed rather than bending them to be safe if there is any hint that the cramps might occur.But a most definite cause that I could pin two of my worst episodes on were the initiation of a dose of Leviquin ( a potent antibiotic). Both times, I was completely symptom free before the medicine and both times I had horrendous cramping in both legs simultaneouly within 24 hours. There is a website dedicated to complaints regarding this medication. As horrible as these cramps are, apparently it could be worse including ruptured tendons, etc. My doctor also advised quinine and said it was no longer available with a prescription, but I found a homeopathic product called appropriately "LEG CRAMPS" by Hyland's. It can be found in healthfood stores which I rarely frequent, but I searched everywhere for any logical solution, It works! Do make sure your doctor approves in case any condition contradicts it's use. I keep it on my bedstand and at the first sign of a cramp, I dissolve 3 or so tiny pills under my tongue. They are simple and not unpleasant.
I even took some when I was in the middle of a full blown spasm and it eased off quickly. It's an inexpensive and simple method that's definitely worth a try. A heating pad at the ready by the bed is also a great relief.My analytical background as an occupational therapist helped me to log probable causes and experiment with methods for relief. I hope this might help others.

I have had two thigh cramps in all, I am 57 female and on Karvea and Pariet, have been for five years but never had cramp up til now. Both these episodes happened at around 1am whilst I was fully asleep! My Dr seems totally disinterested in the fact that I had such severe cramping, almost feinting with the last one, I had one in each thigh, so I wonder it is not a specific thigh being the problem. My health food shop recommend Magnesium capsules x 2 daily so I am hoping these help.

Glad I found this post -very helpful:) My first experience was approximately three years ago. After several minutes of resting in a recliner, I attempted to get up, only to experience an excruciating pain in my left inner thigh. I am not new to "cramps". I used to get them after an aerobic workout in my legs; feet. Walking it off, though painful, usually worked. This experience is different. I think it is a major muscle in the inner thigh and it's pain, way beyond that of a "cramp". Somehow I managed to get to the kitchen sink, where I was about to vomit, pass-out or both. My family doctors said we would monitor and do an MRI if they become more frequent. No more incidents for three years, till this last week. This time I had retired for the night and was lying in bed in a normal fetal position. I was awakened by excruciating pain in my left inner thigh. As soon as I could think it, "thank goodness it's only one side", the pain also afflicted my right side. Best described as two huge knots pulsating in my inner thighs and pain beyond a category ten. Out of bed, but crouched, as I could not stand upright, I nearly passed out about three times before I made it to the kitchen. There I began throwing water on the back of my neck. Somewhat revived, I drank some water and took magnesium tablets. The whole incident was less than thirty minutes, but as I was so close to loosing consciousness, I considered calling EMS. Both incidents occurred in the Fall when temperatures had just dropped several degrees. Both times I was 1) dehydrated 2) under some new stress, e.g. job changes and 3) not careful with my diet. I hope this helps someone.

I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE WHOLE, WIDE WORLD!!!!!!! It happens to me ONLY if I eat anything sweet or dough-y (like ice cream, cake or pizza) before bedtime or if I eat a late dinner. AND, YES, IT IS HORRIBLE!!!!!

Like other sufferers on this website, I can only describe the pain as a severe, unrelenting, excruciating pain lasting about 20-40 minutes. A hundred times worse than cramping. The spasm begins in both legs simultaneously, starting in the upper-most muscle of the inner thigh where it connects to the pelvis, locking the muscles. The vicious pain then extends down and incorporates inner-thigh muscles to the knees. Sometimes, the spasms extend to my calves and feet. During this time, I absolutely CANNOT STRAIGHTEN MY LEGS OR EVEN UNBEND MY KNEES. I'M CURLED UP LIKE A PRETZEL!!! Did I mention the pain was BRUTAL?!?! It can begin suddenly or be preceded by a dull heavy ache running the length of both legs. Depending upon how insulted my body feels from the offensive food I ingested, the spasms can re-occur over and over throughout the night. But this I know for sure; they are definitely precipitated by certain foods and how close to bedtime I consume them.

NOTE: I AM NOT ONE OF THOSE HEALTH FOOD NUTS TRYING TO DISCOURAGE THE CONSUMPTION OF SUGAR!!!

The spasms started around my 40th birthday; I am now in my late 60's. My mother suffered from the same disorder and her condition was also triggered by the consumption of sweet or dough-y food before bedtime. The problem does not occur if I eat the same foods earlier in the day.

Years ago, I was able to buy tablets containing quinine which worked wonderfully--I did not know they were still available until I read the comment about Hyland's pills. I believe those were the meds I used to take that brought relief, but I had been unable to find them. (If anyone decides to try this, please check with your doctor before taking anything containing quinine because quinine could have serious or even fatal health effects.)

I think I should mention that I have several uncommon food allergies that result in skin rashes and the like, totally unrelated to my night-time muscle spasms. I feel these muscle paroxysms may result from a combination of food sensitivities and my body at rest--possibly some a-typical kind of allergic reaction(?)

Needless to say, I've become hyper-conscious of what time of the day I eat sweets and baked goods and try to eat dinner at the appropriate hour.

I’m very thankful for this website and the comments about this agonizing problem. It is a comfort to discover that I am not alone.

I began having upper, inner thigh cramps about 3-4 months ago; I have suffered brutally with other leg cramps for years with no relief (except quinine, which was wonderful and then the FDA banned it for that use ) for me, it feels like there is a blockage in my vein, like a blood clot or something. It is very painful and I also am all curled up likea pretzel. It feels as if my bone would break if I tried to straighten out my legs. It happens in both legs. It is interesting to note, several other's have mentioned they take Zocor - I do also, and drugs for hypertension. I wonder if the cramps can be related to the Zocar? This happens at night, waking me up, and I have been just riding it out - it hurts too much to get up and try to "walk it off". I will try to start drinking more water and maybe that will help.

have been having these horrific attacks for three years. Every time I think I have figured them out something new. This morning I woke up and the cramp started on the oposite leg from normal. I had never had one on the left side before. The pain was about 50% of the normal (excruciating) pain for the right leg. At first I was relieved but it did not leave. I could only walk around for an hour trying to work it out. I did every stretch I could think of drank tons of water and ate bananas. I was about to sit and get somall relief if I did not move the leg. But when I stood up it was almost impossible to bear. This went on until 2:00pm when I needed to go to work. I have no idea how I got my left shoe on. A miracle to say the least. Went to work. I am a surgical tech so my who job is that of standing for hours. Sitting was painful anyway. I left early and am still in pain. can barely use the toilet. I have no idea how I will go to sleep. Very hard to get in and out of the car also. I am not sure if it is still in the spasm or dealing with the after affects of 8 plus hours of a single muscle cramp. I am nearly immoble...dread going to sleep. walking is the only thing that makes it tolorable. I am afraid the muscle is dying...but the fact that it still hurts is good I suppose. I think as terrible as the excruciating right leg cramps are....at least they only last about an hour. I have been dealing with this left leg variation for 15 hours.

I'm 46 years old and have only had this inner thigh cramp maybe ten times and it's never been restricted to the same leg.



The pain/cramp usually starts in the upper inner thigh and is mind blowing painfull. I usually stand up, spread my legs, slightly bent over and stretch decreasing the pain a little. Almost everytime it happens, the pain seams to move deep into the hip joint and then to my lower back (Normally the right side of my back). It usually lasts about 5 minutes and sometimes hits again when you think it's over.



I had my worst one tonight. I was asleep (1st time while sleeping) and I immediately knew what was happening so I got up to do my normal stretch,but this time I became nauseous and passed out (Also a first). When I woke the pain was still there and I stood to do some stretching. While doing this I was in an extreme sweat (raining) and still nauseous. The pain finally decreased and I fell face down on the bed in exhaustion for 30 minutes.



There is one post that someone mentioning higher sugar intake causes hers. I can think of three times the occurance happened to me that I had eaten or drank something with high sugar content. Maybe she's on to something.

I'm 46 years old and have only had this inner thigh cramp maybe ten times and it's never been restricted to the same leg.



The pain/cramp usually starts in the upper inner thigh and is mind blowing painfull. I usually stand up, spread my legs, slightly bent over and stretch decreasing the pain a little. Almost everytime it happens, the pain seams to move deep into the hip joint and then to my lower back (Normally the right side of my back). It usually lasts about 5 minutes and sometimes hits again when you think it's over.



I had my worst one tonight. I was asleep (1st time while sleeping) and I immediately knew what was happening so I got up to do my normal stretch,but this time I became nauseous and passed out (Also a first). When I woke the pain was still there and I stood to do some stretching. While doing this I was in an extreme sweat (raining) and still nauseous. The pain finally decreased and I fell face down on the bed in exhaustion for 30 minutes.



There is one post that someone mentioning higher sugar intake causes hers. I can think of three times the occurance happened to me that I had eaten or drank something with high sugar content. Maybe she's on to something.

First posted in Spring of 09 after experiencing three of these unspeakable terrors. I did have an epidural in my spine early summer for other symptoms (numbness in my feet and back of knee) and interestingly didn't have any more spasms until Thursday night. Back with a vengence with no warning and no reason.
I am going to schedule another epidural just in case this helps. Like another mentioned I can't imagine this into my 70's or 80's. I am a full time caregiver to my mom with cancer, a wife of an often neglected husband and don't know how I can manage this. I honestly think if I had a gun nearby I might consider shooting myself because of the pain.
My thigh is still in a lot of pain from Thursday which is unusual because before the soreness wore off after a day. But it continues to be very painful when I have to use my muscle to move my leg around like getting into the car. It is awful to dread bedtime and to have stay up until you just can't anymore.
Have tried pickle juice, water, quinine pills, take a potassium every night but so far nothing has worked.

I'll post again after my epidural. Wish me luck.

I have occasionally had calf /rear thigh cramps and drank lots of tonic water and bitter lemon as preventative and was told by a nurse friend to take magnesium tablets.They can be calcium+magnesium but I prefer the magnesium and keep bottle in car and one indoors.They work so quickly and probably should be taken preventatively.I'm not too sure if its the water I take with them-could be either.Check with doctor if ok for you.
Now I have had 2 recent episodes of inner thigh cramps.OMG.They are 10 times worse-right up into groin.Unbelievable,so I looked up internet and there was lots of info.However I just got up off lounge to go to bed and vavavavoom upper left thigh twisting like rope.Forgot all I'd read on internet so raced to freezer and got icepack,followed by several magnesium pills-keep walking(staggering-very painful but better than being still)
Tonight's was my third episode so I googled upper inner thigh cramps and hopped about standing /wobbling stretching and after 5/6 minutes it has all subsided.So once again I'm not sure if the water or the magnesium did the trick or if they would go after minutes anyway.ONE trick I read said to eat a banana but the pain is so severe I don't think I could swallow
I did look up what foods contain magnesium and it was mainly foods that I eat anyway.
cramps can be linked to diabetes/blood pressure meds and dehydration which all apply to me today.
so all the best to you fellow sufferers.these cramps feel like what I think childbirth would be like.NOT FUNNY :$ o.O
heb

I like many of you cramp suffering souls, thought was one of few who experienced such an intense pain. When you try and explain how intense this inner thigh cramp pain is ,some will look at you like oh you sissy. Well im living proof like many of you, when Ifirst started getting these cramps I was panicked because no matter what I did Icould not get it to go away. The pain would make me brake out in a cold sweat, and I would get light headed, all Icould do is wrap my hands around my leg and try and keep the cramp from traveling up my leg. after I would have a bruised thigh for a couple of weeks. I found a friend who had the same problem she told me next time I feel this cramp coming on take a couplle of spoonfools of mustard, guess what? iT WORKED Iwish I did not get them but at least I found temporary relief. God Bless. :-D

Oh my God, goodness gracious and thank you everybody.. I thought I was the only person in the world who had these debilitating cramps ( yes to quote one of you, its like all your childbirths rolled into one). Like all of you, I have gone to my GP about this, and hum hah,,, leg cramps, take magnesium etc.. I just want to know why, what, and as we all know, the frequency of when. Mine are all after 8pm, often after getting up from lying on a couch, or rolling on the bed, with bent legs. They hit like a baseball bat.. Opps, sometime during love making (so it always is difficult if you are waiting to experience a mind bending cramp that kills like a screwdriver in you inner thigh)
One thing I have is the next day, my leg is kinda numb, like its bruised. Footballers have likened it to me as a cork thigh. I have started drinking diet tonic water to get quinine, I am making an effort re dehydration and lowering sugar intake (to combine all of your suggestions) Not sure of the drinking pickle juice. What is that?
My last attack 3 days ago, found me feeling like I was going to faint, vomit and I was sweating like nothing I have ever had before. I am not a sweaty person, and this was just dripping of my top lip and hands. I yell like Im delivering a 20lb baby and my adult son is helpless. My partner can only rub, and be my puppet doing what I tell him. Now my inner thigh has finger bruise marks on it all over from deep massage, grabbing it and squeezing it.
Since all your last postings, any new advice.

I to have these cramps  only my left inner thigh and they total crippling me. Im 42 and they started a little over 3 yrs ago the first one i had was so in intents and last for over a hour i couldn't even stand my brother carried me to the living room.The only way i can get them to go away is laying on floor with right knee up under my chest and left leg back behind me with innter thigh as close to floor as can.I found this position is the only one that works for me. I also tried putting salt in my hand then putting tongue on it i was told this only helps if you are dehydrated, it  did work a few times but not for long. Also if i try to get up for floor to soon the c**p will come right back.  

Sorry to hear this has happened to others. This happened to me last night for the 1st time. This was the worst pain ever expierenced in my life. I started sweating and thought I was going to pass out. If I could have gotton to the phone, I would have called 911. After 10 minutes, I finally got to the edge of the bed. The inner thigh cramp started to come back after an ease, and I could actually taste the pain. I have never ever felt pain so bad before. Thanks for everones input on information about this inner thigh cramp....saved me a trip to the Dr. office. Many blessings to all that have expirenced this pain!!