Question:
Should i be concerned with pre-op leg cramps?

I am having surgery Monday 7/17 and for the past few nights I have been waking up with severe leg cramps in my calves. I am afraid to say anything to my doctor because i do not want my surgery delayed, any suggestions or cluse what might be causing this? A quick response would be greatly appreciated.    — Vicki G. (posted on July 13, 2000)

July 13, 2000
Hi, Try increasing our calcium and potassium intake. Leg cramps are usually associated with low potasium. Try eating oranges and bananas. Hope this helps!
   — Laura P.

July 13, 2000
This is the little bit I know about night time leg cramps. Dehydration may play a role for some people, while medications may cause them for others. The suspect medications include diuretics and the calcium channel blocker, nifedipine (Aldalat and Procardia). Certain medical conditions can cause leg cramps, including thyroid and endocrine disorders. Some serious conditions, such as diabetes and vitamin deficiencies, likewise can cause them. My doctor suggested that I drink plenty of water during the day, take a multi-vitamin and try to stretch my leg muscles before bed. Hope this helps! Amy
   — Amy A.

July 13, 2000
There are some really good suggestions for your leg cramps already posted. I would talk to my doctor about this; also, eating a banana every day is an excellent idea. I also have an additional suggestion. Stand back a few feet from a wall. keeping your feet flat on the floor, lean your body in toward the wall as far as you can and hold there for at least 10 seconds. Do this 3 or 4 times before you go to bed, and your cramps will be history.
   — Louise H.

July 13, 2000
I am just wondering what are you eating and doing during the day that you are all of a sudden getting these leg cramps? Putting aside that this could very possibly be a medical issue; Have you been stressing, walking more lately, laking in fluid intake, drinking alcohole??? Or have you already begun your fasting? there are many reasons why your legs will cramp, Bananna's are a quick fix, salt can also help with leg cramps, and high carbo foods... but if you even think for a moment this could be something more then just the above... then you really need to mention this to your dr. I had nothing like you stated, but my dr. makes all his patients wear these leg things that help circulate the blood in my legs. my advise get checked out... to be safe!
   — Jamie T.

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