I woke up at about 2 am with my very first debilitating leg cramp. I'd call it a charley horse, except that it was in my calf, not my thigh. Whatever I call it, I thought I was going to die. It finally loosened up after a few minutes, but it seemed like an eternity. All night after that, every time I woke up, I was so careful not to move my leg in a way that might anger the cramp gods. It's worked well so far, but my left calf is still sort of twingy.
What causes these things, anyway? I think it might be not enough water, since I also didn't shed as much weight as I expected this morning (kicks scale reproachfully). With the amount of exercise I've been doing, I should probably be drinking more than 1L/day. But it could very well be something else. Just overall soreness, maybe? This is the first time I've consistently worked or stretched my calves in quite some time...maybe they're just knotting up in protest to this punishment. Who knows?
With regard to weigh-in this morning...194.5 on my scale. Excluding some kind of miracle, there's no way I can avoid a gain on the meeting scale. Fuck.
Posted by Joy at July 12, 2003 06:14 AMHey - you guys have a great site here. I just thought I'd comment about the leg cramps and how to prevent them - WATER! Drink a glass of water before bed and that will prevent waking up with a leg cramp :o)
Posted by: Becca on July 13, 2003 10:29 AM
I always call them "charley horses" when they are in my calf.
As for what to do about them, Becca is right - drink LOTS of water!Also do proper stretching after exercise. And to ease the pain when they occur, massage thoroughly in the direction of the muscle.
Hope that leg gets to feeling better soon. Take care.
Posted by: Lee on July 13, 2003 11:30 AM
Potassium levels being to low causes cramps, and making sure you get enough potassium will prevent them.
Posted by: Robert on July 19, 2003 07:24 PM
I woke up with terrible leg cramps last night and it has happended 3-4 times in a matter of weeks..I also have heard alot of people say it is due to low potassium...when i was getting these before I wnet and bought some potassium and I didn't have them for along time..I think I better do this again..my leg is still sore..feels like I am going to get another one..hope not..so I agree take potassium and drink alot of water..have a good day..Cindy
Posted by: Cindy on September 12, 2003 11:53 AM