Nighttime calf cramps?

[VDLT]

Hi all, these past few weeks I have started getting cramps in my calves when I am sleeping. I have gotten them before while doing Atkins and other low carb diets so I am wondering if they are related to that. I am getting labs done next week so I will see if I need potassium. I am going to try to eat some avocado and mushrooms, but push comes to shove I will add bananas. Have been avoiding them because of sugars. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Clematis]

I HATE leg cramps 1) you may be dehydrated. 2) you may need magnesium or potassium. I have trouble when I sweat a lot like in. Aerobics class without lots of
Water

Have a heating pad at the ready as it really helps


Good luck

 

[Jo777]

Get a lot more salt.. your kidneys dump fluids and with them electrolytes when you are in ketosis (and you prob are at this point, plus not eating nearly as much sodium as well.)

Your body will hold onto sodium over potassium, and will excrete potassium with the fluid dump if you aren't getting a decent amount of salt.. leading to cramps. Up your salt significantly, and have a little extra potassium from non-sugar sources like avocado or V8 juice.. salt the heck out of stuff plus maybe drink some salty broth (or pickle juice which I loved.) The couple grams of salt a day won't make you retain water, but it will stop the cramping fast as it will stop the K loss.

 

[Munchkin]

Forget the bananas.

More liquids, salt, potassium, iron, and magnesium.

 

[VDLT]

Thanks @Clematis the heating pad is a great idea

@Jo777 I never salt stuff but will. I love avocados so please twist my arm I am pretty sure I am close to ketosis. I am avoiding carbs as much as possible.

Thanks @Munchkin. Will do!

 

[duh_Mom]

Hey @VDLT, I am coming late to the thread, but wanted to mention that for me leg cramps signify low Calcium. long years ago, got leg cramps while pregnant. Then after hysterectomy I could not sleep for them. The doc changed my hormones from pills to the patch and told me to start calcium supplements. the leg cramps went away like magic. If I missed my CA for a day or so, they come back.
Since the DS, I have upped my CA so that I prevent the leg cramps so it still seems to be a thing with me. I am kinda glad about it honestly, I would rather have a leg cramp tell me to boost my CA than a high PTH because my body is leaching from my bones.
Anyway, thought I would mention that in case the suggestions listed above don't do the trick

 

[VDLT]

Thanks @duh_Mom I am getting labs next week and will keep an eye out for calcium

 

[Spiky Bugger]

Late to the party, but...when Mr. Sue leaps out of bed screaming "Ooooh! Ow! Oooohhh, man!" it is, sadly, NOT a positive review of my performance.

Rather, it has to do with leg cramps and usually occurs after a day of physical work and not enough water. So, I would probably vote for dehydration as the cause.

Otherwise...you're doing fine?

 

[VDLT]

@Spiky Bugger Hey Sue. I am doing pretty well. Best news is that my shoulder pain is gone. You know how long that has been an issue. Have lost 22 pounds so I am really happy about that. So far it feels like what we were told the band would be. I eat small portions and stop when full but without the stuck feeling and the incessant puking. Happy with my sleeve hugs to you and hi to Mr Sue

 

[BebeZed]

@Spiky Bugger Hey Sue. I am doing pretty well. Best news is that my shoulder pain is gone. You know how long that has been an issue. Have lost 22 pounds so I am really happy about that. So far it feels like what we were told the band would be. I eat small portions and stop when full but without the stuck feeling and the incessant puking. Happy with my sleeve hugs to you and hi to Mr Sue

Isn't it GREAT not to have things get stuck? I had steak a few nights ago! That was the first time I've had steak and didn't puke since May 2008!
I am so happy that things are working out well for you!

 

[Charris]

@VDLT have the cramps subsided

 

[VDLT]

Hi @Charris thanks for checking in! Yes the cramps are much improved. I had started back on my normal dance routine and yoga so that might have played a part. I started salting my food a bit and have been having some powerade zero and that seems to have helped. Bloodwork next week so will keep you posted