Leg Cramps

Drink red wine, seriously, it will help.

Magnesium. EDIT: And more water..

Sharon:
Compression socks are a possible help. Designed to prevent DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) they alleviate swelling especially at high altitudes. Less swelling=less pain. Do you walk a lot when you are traveling? Sometimes the cramping is because after a period of intense activity, you are suddenly back to "normal" activity that is considerably reduced from that during travel. Again, the compression socks may help. I do like the red wine theory, though. Maybe that's why I don't get leg cramps!

If you've been on your feet as much as I'm guessing you have, and not getting enough rest, that can certainly cause cramps. (plus, eating foods different from your daily diet, walking on those cobblestones, climbing more stairs than usual, etc.) Perhaps somewhat keep up the level of 'European' activity after you get home...it might be too abrupt an ending if you get home and park it on the sofa while you recuperate LOL. On a serious note - has your doctor ruled out an underlying cause? I know someone who thought he needed some potassium while we were in Europe; what he needed was leg artery bypass surgery. Apparently, not getting blood to your legs can make them cramp...

Thanks! All good suggestions that I will check into.

Interesting question. Had you said you get cramps during flight, I would have suggested doing the things you are already doing. But I haven't heard of getting cramps once being off the plane (much less for days on end). That's a real bummer. Other respondents have given suggestions to look into, but it would be nice and very helpful if someone who has actually experienced the same issue could respond. Unfortunately, I'm not that someone. I'll be interested in what others have to say (in the meantime, I'll continue the red wine treatment others have suggested). Probably the best advice you've been given so far is to talk to your doctor.

I think Eileen's on to something about the increased activity. I will often have weeks of 50+ hours/week on my feet, and that's when I get the most leg cramps. Sometimes after I've decompressed from that week with large amounts of alcohol that dehydrates me while sitting on a bar stool that cuts down on my circulation, the cramps can be excruciating. (Yes, you would think I'd learn my lesson.) Sometimes they move from one area to the next, so while I try to stretch my calves my thighs will cramp up. So here's what I've found works best. Drink more water. And add heat. A hot tub or hot bath is good. But just a plain old heating pad on the muscles that are likely to bother you works wonders. Do this before you cramp if possible, or apply the heat during. It really helps.

As nobody on this website knows your medical history nor can they physicially examine you, this is a question best addressed between you and your doctor. I doubt what you are describing are deep venous thromboses (DVTs), because these don't resolve by themselves without medical intervention. The differential could include stress fractures, stress reactions (a less severe precursor to a stress fracture), vascular claudication, exertional compartment syndrome, overuse syndromes, congestive heart failure and several other potential causes. Effective treatment and/or prevention would, of course, depend on the underlying cause.

Based on personal experience, I suggest a fast food size package of mustard!! Eat it (with a frown on your face most likely) and the cramps will end immediately! Try it and it will work!! Easy to stuff some of them in your carry on if you wish. I never travel without them. I have read also that pickle juice does the same. Have not tried it. I also do the routine you describe in your posting, and also go back to the restroom/galley area to do some more stretching exericses. This seems to help.