This preop diet is giving me the worst leg cramps!!! What can i take/do to stop them?

Cramps can be caused by a variety of reasons. Some of the most common are magnesium or potassium deficiency, overuse from exercise or dehydration.

I started getting really bad leg cramps after surgery and my doctor said it was because I had eaten too little carb for over three months. So he told me to add some fruit, especially those high in potassium, back in my diet and take a magnesium pill daily.

That's what MY doctor told me. Make sure you consult your doctor because if you have any existing conditions that require you to limit potassium the last thing you want to do is take the advice of someone online who isn't a doctor or familiar with your medical history.

However, make sure you are drinking lots of Water. At least 60 oz a day but shoot for more if you can. Also, stretches help a lot. You should be able to search YouTube for some.

Edited June 19, 201511 yr by krisrpaz

Are you staying hydrated? The primary cause of muscle cramping is dehydration. If you are getting enough water, then then next culprit may be electrolytes. If you don't have enough electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium), then your muscles can't retain enough water. In that case you may need to try supplements or ask your surgeon/nutritionist about eating some foods that contain electrolytes.

Magnesium deficiency