Leg Cramps

I've got really bad leg cramps especially in my one leg. I think its period related but they seem to be getting worse. I got some of those hot patches to put on it to see if that would get rid of the cramp, I've tried painkillers, and stretching and yoga and nothings helping. Anyway while the patch was on it I couldn't feel the heat at all so I thought the patch wasn't working but when I felt it it was really hot but I couldn't feel it at all on my leg. Is that normal? Should I go to the doctors after my exam tomorrow or will they just think I'm a weirdo.

Reply 1

Debussy

ring nhs direct, they'll tell you if they think you need to see a doctor

Reply 2

niamhster

Yeah ring Nhs direct they will be able to advise you best. Hope you feel better soon.

Reply 3

Gwen

It's strange because I get those too sometimes at night...i'll just be waking up and i'll feel a horrible cramp in my leg. Most of the time, the "scientific" cause is lactic acid buildup in the muscles - meaning not enough exercise or not enough intake of oxygen when exercising, it could even be from not stretching properly after a bought of exercise. Certain foods may be worse for them (i think) but definitely call or see a medical professional for full info.

Reply 4

RetiredAccount89

There are many benign reasons hy you might get these leg cramps. certainly go to the docs if it is worrying you/affecting your life adversely. Even if a cause can't be found you may well still be given something like quinine to reduce the cramping.

eat bananas

i'm just a bit worried that its thrombosis symptoms because of my pill I never normally cramp this badly but its prob just stress adding to my cramps. NHS direct said if it gets any worse go to the doctor, there are no appointments today anyway I checked but if it gets bad I'll go to the walk in centre at the hospital.
I'm using the hot patches again on my back and that seems to help my legs. It got me through my exams anyway.

Reply 7

Jenna999

If it is thrombosis, keep an eye on where the pain is (like draw with pen on your leg) and if it starts moving that's when you need to worry...

Reply 8

RetiredAccount89

Jenna999

If it is thrombosis, keep an eye on where the pain is (like draw with pen on your leg) and if it starts moving that's when you need to worry...

*cough* bullsh*t *cough*

Reply 9

viviki

There are main spots where it hurts but it really is all over my legs so I don't fancy penning myself too much :wink:

Reply 10

RetiredAccount89

viviki

There are main spots where it hurts but it really is all over my legs so I don't fancy penning myself too much :wink:

Don't worry about bloody DVT. I've seen many patients with DVT and Pulmonary embolisms (many of which arise from DVTs) and NONE have complained of a leg pain.
Most DVTs are asymptomatic, and those that are symptomatic tend to be a bit of a swollen leg, perhaps a bit reddened (cos of inc blood accumulating behind the dvt, not cos of inflammation).

The idea that you get a pain which then suddenly moves to your lung/disappears is a bit silly frankly.

Reply 11

Jenna999

foolfarian

*cough* bullsh*t *cough*

Ok, sorry, that's just what I was told.

Reply 12

Olivia22

I have really bad leg pain as well. Its like this really dull ache in the core of my leg and it hurts like hell. I thought it may be circulation related and find that if you sit on your bed with your legs up the wall (i.e. higher than your head it eases a bit).

I went to the doctor who referred me to a specialist who was hopeless. He told me to get undressed in the next room and I was lying there half naked and could here him on the phone planning his holidays!!! He then came in poked me with pins and asked me if I could feel it (hmmmmmm, course I cloody can, stop pricking me!!!!). Then he said he had no idea and sent me on my way.

Anyway, if you have a massage cushion or foot massager or anything put that on your leg it seems to help.

I have also bought some knee high socks 'cos I find its worse if they get cold.

Lastly, I think Ginko is meant to improve circulation. Or you can get that Antistax stuff for aching legs but its quite expensive.

Reply 13

RetiredAccount89

Jenna999

Ok, sorry, that's just what I was told.

nope, would make it much easier to spot if it was.

Reply 14

RetiredAccount89

You wanna watch out with some of that herbal muck, can have side effects, and can also make your medication like contraceptive pill not work.

Reply 15

viviki

You can't take St johns wort at the same time as taking a pill because it can reduce its effectiveness, so I expect there are other herbal supplements that are the same.

I'm not a big drama queen I don't automatically assume I have DVT or anything I have got swollen legs and ankles but I always get that when I'm a bit stressed so I'm sure its that. It was just agonising last night and yoga almost always gets rid of any leg pain for me but its not working at all atm. Its still there today but not half as bad thank god because I think I would have had to go down the medical centre. I think its prob just because I'm stressed and my diet is normally very very good and its not as good at the moment because I'm all stressy and can eat hardly anything.

Reply 16

Olivia22

You can't take St johns wort at the same time as taking a pill because it can reduce its effectiveness, so I expect there are other herbal supplements that are the same.

I should really probably avoid the Ginko then. Oops. Not that I have taken it in a while anyway. I didn't really think it would work but I was at the point where I would give anything a go!