I wake up in pain every 2-3 hours with what feels like Charley horse or shooting pains in my calf, followed by numb toes. Sometimes it affects only my left leg, other times both. I’m generally fit and exercise regularly. What steps can I take to address this issue?
Could you be low on potassium?
Sidney said:
Could you be low on potassium?
I’m not sure what I might be lacking. Do you think potassium could be the issue?
Sidney said:
Could you be low on potassium?
I’m not sure what I might be lacking. Do you think potassium could be the issue?
It’s quite likely. Our bodies use sodium to contract muscles and potassium to relax them. An imbalance can lead to cramps. I had frequent cramps until I switched to a salt that mixes sodium chloride and potassium chloride.
It sounds like you might have low potassium levels. Try eating some bananas.
Bailey said:
It sounds like you might have low potassium levels. Try eating some bananas.
I agree. Eat a banana in the evening and maybe take some magnesium before bed to see if it helps.
Try drinking a Gatorade or another electrolyte-rich drink before bed.
It sounds like you need to increase your intake of electrolytes, especially potassium and magnesium. Try supplementing them daily for a couple of weeks and see if the problem improves. Continue as needed.
I’m surprised no one has made an inappropriate comment yet. Anyway, you might be deficient in potassium or magnesium. These deficiencies are common in people who exercise a lot, have a poor diet, or experience high stress. Supplements like zinc, magnesium, and potassium can help.
Do your calves or ankles get cold during the day? Cold exposure can cause pain and stiffness in your calves at night. I use leg warmers or woolly socks to help with this.
I recommend salt lite, which is half sodium, half potassium. Mix it with a drink of your choice, and take a magnesium supplement. It’s a low-calorie option compared to sugary electrolyte drinks.
Be cautious with potassium supplements, especially if you’re on blood pressure medication. If you get a cramp, try drinking water immediately to see if it helps alleviate the pain quickly.
You might also be low on iron, along with potassium.
When I was heavily into cycling, I found that staying hydrated and taking a daily multi-vitamin helped with my cramps.
Standing up to let the muscles drain can sometimes relieve cramps. There’s something that builds up in the muscles that needs to be released.
Try CALM, a magnesium-based drink, in the evenings. Also, using a topical magnesium cream might help without disrupting your sleep from excessive fluid intake.
Stand up as soon as you feel a cramp coming on. Often, this can make it go away instantly.
I also suffer from painful calf cramps due to a potassium deficiency from Addison’s disease. I know how tough it can be.
Calcium and magnesium supplements helped me when I had similar issues. It might take a week or so to see improvements. The numbness in your toes is unusual though; you might want to consult a healthcare provider if simple remedies don’t work.