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Muscle Cramps

Cramps are common problems that occasionally herald a serious disease but usually are benign. The most common cramps are those occurring in the calves at night. These will often respond to good hydration and a stretching program. Cramps can be associated with increased exercise, sweating, blood chemistry disturbances from vomiting or diuretics. Some people are helped by adding Calcium, Magnesium, or Potassium to their diets (be especially careful starting a mineral supplement if you have kidney disease). Some people are helped with a glass of tonic water (containing quinine) before bedtime. Cramps that occur all over the body, occur frequently including in the daytime should be evaluated.

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