Is waking up with horrible leg cramps (similar to growing pains) normal?
462275
It's not abnormal.  Most everyone has leg cramps every now and again.  The best thing to do when you wake up with a leg cramp is to get out of bed and put weight on the leg with the cramps.  This is really counter-intuitive (opposite of what you would think would work) but it DOES work.\n\nLeg cramps are caused by a lack of potassium in your diet.  I'm not sure of ALL the foods that contain potassium, but bananas are my personal favorite.
847781
For potassium pills you will need to see a Doctor, which is always a good idea.\n\n  Eating Bananna's helps too.  Google Potassium sometime, it will help you find all the natural sources.\n\n  But leg cramps are not Always caused by low potassium, and too much potassium can be a problem as well, so my first advice is still best.\n\n  Talk to a Doctor.
933430
Hi, If the cramps are really uncomfortable I lay down with a heating pad on my stomach.  Ibuprofen helps a lot and I start taking it the day before I am to start.  A hot cup of tea also helps.
57011
you could have something like resless leg syndrome. so I would see a doctor. It really could be a lot of things.
377301
The exact cause of night leg cramps isn't known. Some experts believe they may be due to abnormal processing of electrolytes — essential elements and chemical substances your body needs for basic functions — by muscles. Almost everyone has occasional leg cramps. But they occur most often in older adults. Common causes of night leg cramps include:\n\nMuscle overexertion \nProlonged sitting \nDehydration \nPregnancy \nDiabetes \nDecreased potassium levels \nNeuromuscular disorders, such as Parkinson's disease \nCertain medications, such as albuterol, niacin, diuretics, and some calcium channel blockers and antipsychotic medications \nAlcohol use \n\nIf you do get a leg cramp, you may be able to make it go away by:\n\nWalking on the affected leg \nMassaging the affected muscle\nStraightening your leg and flexing your foot toward your knee until you feel the calf muscles stretch \nApplying a cold pack to the affected muscle \nTaking a hot bath \n\nTo help prevent night leg cramps:\n\nDrink plenty of fluids during the day \nStretch your leg muscles before bedtime
62674
The most common cause of leg cramps (besides over-exercising) is inadequate potassium, and sometimes calcium.  Start by eating more bananas or taking supplements and if that doesn't help, then see a doctor.
852766
All of that pain is normal. My legs hurt terribly when i am on my period. I was told it is from possible blood clots. Ibuprofren or better yet aspirin will help relieve it but be warned if you take aspirin it will greatly increase your flow.. however it will reduce your pain.
526566
Depends on how bad the pain is...is it debilitating pain that interferes with your normal activities?  That could be a sign of a problem like endometriosis, and you would need to see a doctor about it.  But if it's just cramps, there are a few things you can try.  Hot water bottles or heating pads on the lower abdomen sometimes help.  PMS medications like Midol work for some women, usually better than Tylenol or other ordinary pain meds.  Sometimes exercise helps.  I've had good luck with homeopathic blue cohosh--if you have a natural foods store that sells herbs, you can talk to someone there to see what they recommend for menstrual cramps.  And sometimes cramps get better if you go on the Pill, if that's an option for you. \n\nIf nothing helps, it would be a good idea to talk to a doctor.  They can see if there's something wrong and possibly prescribe something to help the pain.  Here's a link about endometriosis so you can see if it sounds like what you're experiencing.
365471
Start taking Calcium Citrate twice a day. Bunch of recent studies have shown this can really help. \nI have wretched cramps and every doc I've asked has recommended this. (I've just been lazy about doing it.) \nshort of that, I love the midol (always take with food or you will pay for it when you're older!) and I like to use those thermacare pads or a heating pad.
365050
herb? not that im aware of. if its muscle stiffness, im sorry, if its joint stiffness you may be fine. try a magnesiun/calcium supplament, and E might help too. ive got major cartilage damage in both my knees so i know how u fel waking up stiff. also if you can get some slow release ibuprofin, that will keep any swellin own that may cause stiffness(that goes for muscle too)
76109
You didnt say how old your are, so I'll take a chance. \n\nSometimes if I sleep in the same spot without moveing or turning over, I wake up hurting.  Try takeing 2 Advil, and see if it works its self out. If it doesnt and your still hurting, Call your doctor.
1174754
Keep your feet warm. Wear socks and heating pads or cover up with something. \nI hate cramps......\n☺
264023
I had the same problem for years and years, it's horrible and I was unable to point my toes or curl them , but I would awaken every one or two hours with cramps in my left calf. Prozac 20 milligrams has helped me to be able to do what I couldn't and I used Ambien (expensive though) to sleep. The Prozac might give you headaches when you're awake as well as nausea but for me it was worth it in order to stop the spasm/ cramps in my legs and be able to sleep a whole night through.
1100090
No, it doesn't really happen, but for 3-4 hrs you will start getting hunger pains.  I know this isnt part of the question, but anyway, you should skip your dinner.  cuz you will wake up in the middle of the night with this terrible, terrible hunger pain, you will also get the cramps in your upper abdomen, plus worst of all you will pull a few muscles.  its really painful.
884167
oh gosh yes.....i get really BAD cramps (like someone stabbing me in the stomach cramps) and i have stayed home because of it.
1100141
what happened to you is called a "CHARLIE HORSE"  a really painful leg cramp i get them sometimes.  You get them because you are lacking POTASSIUM  you can prevent them by eating a banana, or taking a supplement but bananas do the trick the problem is if you eat a banana today you may get a charlie horse tonight but if you continue to eat a banana every day you won't have them starting tommorrow(it takes a day to absorb)  also you may be dehydrated drink more water and it will help also don't worry alot of people get them and they suck! so forget about the apple a day theory an banana will do the trick!
446928
An abscence of healthy salts in your system could be causing the leg cramps.\n\nTry drinking 1 tblspoon of sea salt in a tall glass of distilled water three times a day.