Continuing pain after leg cramps

by Samra Bufkins
(Denton, Texas, USA)

I am 61 years old, and have, for about the last 6 months, been experiencing debilitating leg cramps at night. They aren't limited to my calf muscles, but are mainly in my shin muscles and foot.

I will often suffer them for 4 hours or more and am exhausted in the morning. I have tried bananas, pickle juice, cream of tartar to no avail. I get them at least twice a week.

I teach in a university, and have long classes. I used to notice they occurred mainly after I have worn high heels all day, but yesterday I wore flats all day, woke up at 2 am and was in agony off and on until 8 am.

I was then in pain all day, and had several more bouts of the cramps during the day, including when I laid down for an afternoon nap. I still ache--my legs ache. I had to walk across campus and was in pain the whole way. This pain the next day has happened several times.

I have had bloodwork done and it is all normal--my doctor does incredibly detailed bloodwork. I have tried hydration, magnesium supplements, all to no avail. I am in pain now as I write this--even my arms hurt. Is there anything I can do, or should I ask for more tests to rule out anything else? (I can't imagine what that would be....)