I know cramps arent actually an RA thing but I'm having leg cramps like you wont believe over and over all night long, not restless leg, this is the good old fashioned charley horse.. but now they are on the muscle alongside the shin, not just the calf..
any suggestions how to prevent or treat.
I've heard that they may be from a lack of potassium. I try eating extra bananas (good source) when I start getting them and they usually go away pretty fast. I'm sure there are many other causes and remedies though...Hi Kathy, I'm sorry you are having these cramps. I also have them, in my feet, calves, hands. Usually when I am laying down in bed
I don't really have any treatment suggestions for you, I wish I did. The only thing that helps at all for me, is to get up and walk. Of course, I use a walker at home, so I have something to lean on. In place of a walker, maybe you could just lean on a kitchen counter, facing it, and put your leg further back to stretch the muscle.
I know that if it is a small muscle in the hand, for example, my husband can rub my wrist until he finds the place that relaxes the tightened muscle.
Oh, I just remembered something my doc told me! When he put me on potassium supplements, he said it might help the cramps in my legs. I take a diuretic (lasix) every day, so I must take potassium along with it.
I hope you find something that helps.
Be well.
Hugs, Nini
My Primary told me it is a lack of calcium. When I get the really bad ones, I eat alot of dairy. they go away. Now I take 600mg of calcium daily (or try to) and rarely get them anymore. :)