Has anyone ever tried taking quinine pills for leg cramps? I have some, but haven’t really taken them more than once or twice. They are supposed to prevent leg cramps, but I am not sure if they are for exercise/dehydration induced cramps or what. I get a lot of leg cramps esp. when swimming. When I was swimming in college, my favorite post-workout drink was a gin and tonic and I didn’t get many leg cramps then. Of course, I wasn’t running and biking as much then Maybe the quinine water helped with the cramps?
I usually try to drink a liter of tonic water the day before a hot race. I think it makes a difference, but not really sure. Just make sure you take lots of electrolytes along with it so you don’t flush out.
There used to be some Quinine/Aminophylline tablets for night time leg cramps. (Aminophylline is a cousin of caffeine).
Some people add Magnesium to their electrolyte drinks–some of them already have it added.
Thanks–did you put any gin or vodka in that?
TB2,
Are these the nocturnal cramps with the “kicking leg syndrome” while sleeping? I have an occassional mild affliction of this and have found that a regular stretching program before bedtime seems to help considerably. I’ll have to try the gin and tonic cure. One of my favorite summertime beverages when hanging out around the backyard pool.
As far as I remember the Quinamm was just for adult with leg cramps. Usually doe to poor circulation and poor fitness and nutrition. That was too long ago.