Leg Cramps or Blood Clots?

I had a DVT in my thigh, but my experience was totally different. I didn't have bouts with pain (where the pain would come and go), but had swelling in the leg and soreness. At the time, I was pregnant, so both legs were swelling, and though I mentioned it to my doc, she didn't think too much about it. After several weeks, when she finally decided to send me to the hospital to check it out, it had one spot where it hurt if I pushed on it, though the ache of the entire thigh was still there. This was a DVT though and you can also get clots in superficial veins.

What you should probably remember is that everyone experiences symptoms differently, so the symptoms one person exhibits may be different from yours. You mentioned that your mother has had clots before, so it could be that you're genetically prone to clots for one reason or another. I think I'd call your regular doctor and talk to the nurse about the situation. She can ask the doctor about it and they can advise you as to what to do. Don't take any chances with something this serious!

I would go to the Dr just to be on the safe side. My hubby had a blood leg in his leg a long time ago he tells me that he had try moving it because it was crimped so bad.

Amanda, I just got back from China myself (a shorter flight) and while there I walked quite a bit. On return I have also been experiencing nightly leg cramps. In some of these countries, they have an incredible amount of steps so the calves get a workout they are not used to. (While sleeping if your toes are pointed under a tight sheet it will make your legs tend to cramp more easily)

Here's my advice: When flying internationally, I take a proteolytic enzyme called Wobenzym. People all over Europe take it to prevent blood clots when flying. You should have already heard about this from your doctor if you discussed clotting. Look it up on the internet. I supplied it for a large part of my group. Wobenzym should be taken all the time anyway for various other things like keeping the blood free of foreign debris, helping to digest food and cleaning up injury sites. I recommend everyone over 30 take enzyme supplements. You also should be on a high quality fish oil. Fish oil also is very helpful in preventing unnatural clotting. It doesn't seem to interfere with normal clotting.

Fish oil is also extremely important for hormone balance so in your case you could get off those dangerous BCP's and use fish oil. A standard dose for that problem is 4 daily in divided doses. Progesterone cream is also extremely helpful for the hormone issues. Usually within 60-90 days the problems is resolved. So...Enzymes, fish oil and progesterone cream and stretch those calves!

M

ps there are many sites for Wobenzyme but I order mine wholesale at All Star Health and I get the large bottle of 800. I take them everyday through out the day and more frequently when I travel. You will also get some advice about using soap in the bed, taking mineral supplements, etc. also good advice.

Funny this post would come today ~ assuming it is only leg cramps and not something more serious!! Last night, my husband was telling me about a guy he was working with yesterday (he is a builder and was on a residential job site). Richard had a cramp in a finger and the pain was excruciating. The finger was pulling off to the side as the pain worsened. He asked my husband if he had any mustard??? My husband laughed at him, told him to straighten his finger and go back to work. (The guys are good friends so this wasn't as mean as it sounds!!) So Richard went inside and got the mustard from the fridge. He came back outside, finger straight and absolutely no pain. So then my husband really started razzing him!! But the secret is this: for any type of cramps take a teaspoonful of mustard and they go away immediately. Richard said this is a very, very old remedy from his childhood (and he is in his late 60's!)

So, try it and let me know!!! Maybe the taste of the mustard is so bad it takes your mind off the pain and your muscle can then relax. I don't know...But please let me know if it works!

Hoping it's not to serious,
J.