DEAR DR. GOTT: I just finished reading your article about RLS and at the end you mention leg cramps as they are the same as RLS. I am puzzled about this because I suffer from severe nighttime leg and foot cramps which haven’t been helped with soap-under-the-sheets. I never think of my cramps as RLS but as a separate condition. Is this correct or are they the same?
My doctor put me on a magnesium supplement which seems to have lessened the frequency but not the duration of the cramps. He did this after looking at my electrolytes.
I am 82 years young, get enough exercise, don’t smoke and drink one glass of wine a day. I am also on Losartin and HCTZ for a high blood pressure, simvastatin and thyroid medication as well as vitamins and calcium.
DEAR READER: I believe you are referring to my mention of leg cramps in the “plug” at the end of the column in which I mention my health report “More Compelling Home Remedies”. I apologize if that led you or any other readers to believe I was implying that restless legs syndrome (RLS) is the same condition as leg cramps. As clarification, the two conditions are totally separate, although some RLS sufferers describe their symptoms as cramping-like sensations.
I only made mention because some readers have stated that some home remedies for leg cramps also work for their RLS symptoms. These include soap-under-the-sheets, calcium/magnesium or potassium supplements, a heavy blanket over the legs when resting, eating pickles or drinking pickle juice, marjoram oil rubs, and more. Each of these is explained in my health report plus additional remedies for other conditions such as acid reflux, colds, ringworm, headaches, and much more. The original home remedies health report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” contains remedies for arthritis, burns, cold sores, night sweats, nail fungus, warts, and more.
Because you mention that your leg cramps are severe and persistent, I suggest you return to your doctor for further testing to determine if there is a physical problem, such as poor circulation or if you might have a vitamin or mineral deficiency that could be to blame. Perhaps one or more of your medications is the culprit so be sure to read the side effects and discuss the possibility with your physician, as well.
