Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
Though
Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) produces
muscle cramps, its not the only cause for muscle cramps. There are numerous other conditions & causes wherein charlie horses present as a symptom.
Neurological disorders, peripheral arterial disease, Diabetes,
Spinal stenosis,
Dehydration, Calcium & Vitamin D deficiency, Exhaustion, Fatigue etc may also produce muscle cramps.
So, a detailed evaluation is needed to establish the exact cause of muscle cramps.
Some of the activities that might help prevent muscle cramps include -
• Drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• Stretching your leg muscles or riding a stationary bicycle for a few minutes before you go to bed
• Massaging the cramped muscle with your hands or with ice
• Walking or jiggling the leg
• Taking a hot shower or warm bath
• Also, calcium fortified foods like seafood and fish, almonds, flaxseed, oats, prunes, sesame seeds, tofu and kale can help to stave off muscle pain & spasm.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes and vinegar which blocks the body’s natural ability to absorb calcium leading to muscle aches &
muscle fatigue.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day