I just saw an article about 8 types of drugs that can cause leg cramps, and it immediately caught my interest. Mainly because I have a problem with leg cramps at night. Lately they have been major enough that they wake me up and then keep me from getting back to sleep. They start up with my glutes and progress down my leg all the way to the ankle.

I've tried a lot of things to alleviate the pain, including massage, walking, stretching exercises, etc. But the nuclear approach -- the big thing that works the best -- is something I hate to do in the middle of the night: simply taking a hot bath -- sitting in the tub and moving my legs until the cramp relaxes.

If anyone has any other suggestions, I'd love to hear about them. Meanwhile, here's the list of drugs that are known to cause leg cramps.

It looks to me like I am taking two of them.

That sounds painful, Anne! I've had calf cramps periodically, but they wake me up and then they're gone. I hope you find a better solution. Or even change some of your medications. You need your sleep.

Sorry to hear you're having leg cramps. Ever since I can remember, I've had leg aches. While still a toddler, I remember my adoptive mother rubbing my legs so I could sleep. It's a periodic thing. So I'm very sorry to know you're having such pain. When I was a kid, they said it was growing pains. But the pain didn't lessen with adulthood. I thank God it isn't a constant malady. Advil PM helps me.

Anne,
How are you doing now, regarding the pain in your knees?

Hi Jabber,

The pain in my knees is not going to get better on its own. I have had X-rays and been told that I need to consider knee replacement for both knees. Meanwhile, I periodically have cortisone shots. But the shots don't really stop the pain, IMHO.

Later this month I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. I see it as a fact-finding appointment. I hope he does, too.

I have done enough research to know that I'm not going to have both knees done at once.

Hi Anne,
Sounds like you'll need lots of support from family and friends. My adoptive brother is having a hip replacement after football season is over. He operates all the aquatic equipment for the Buffalo Bills. I guess next spring, after the Superbowl, he'll have that done. A neighborhood lady had both knees done at once; she did okay. But I think you're wise in doing one at a time.
I've added you and Steve to my prayer list! Blessings...