# Leg cramps

**URL:** <https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/leg-cramps/603>\
**Category:** PD For Professionals\
**Created:** [January 17, 2006, 12:56pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/leg-cramps/603 "2006-01-17T12:56:12Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![system](https://d16rlmixcfjfyh.cloudfront.net/original/1X/5d85dacb7e76ee0f7b162785afa5f129bc0805ad.png) [@system](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/system)\
**Post date:** [January 17, 2006, 12:56pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/leg-cramps/603/1 "2006-01-17T12:56:12Z")

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I have a pt who is having leg cramps at night, usually about the 3rd exchange in. He is on the cycler for 8 hours. He doesn’t seem to be taking off too much. His K levels are good. It always seems to happen about the same time. Any thoughts?

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**Author:** ![system](https://d16rlmixcfjfyh.cloudfront.net/original/1X/5d85dacb7e76ee0f7b162785afa5f129bc0805ad.png) [@system](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/system)\
**Post date:** [January 19, 2006, 8:38am UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/leg-cramps/603/2 "2006-01-19T08:38:48Z")

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Cramping is usually the result of removal of fluid from the vascular space. Some patients are more sensitive than others. He may want to try using more 1.5% bags to minimize ultrafiltration. You didn’t mention if the pt. is taking anything for the leg cramps. The usual oral meds are Quinine or vitamin E at bedtime prior to dialysis. He may want to try drinking some fluids too.

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**Author:** ![system](https://d16rlmixcfjfyh.cloudfront.net/original/1X/5d85dacb7e76ee0f7b162785afa5f129bc0805ad.png) [@system](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/system)\
**Post date:** [January 20, 2006, 6:22pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/leg-cramps/603/3 "2006-01-20T18:22:39Z")

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He does use Quinine; helps sometimes, but not always. I haven’t heard of Vitamin E though, maybe I will tell him to try it. Thanks.

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**Author:** ![Beth\_Witten\_MSW](https://forumcdn.homedialysis.org/user_avatar/forums.homedialysis.org/beth_witten_msw/32/541_2.png) [@Beth\_Witten\_MSW](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Beth_Witten_MSW)\
**Post date:** [January 20, 2006, 6:31pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/leg-cramps/603/4 "2006-01-20T18:31:24Z")

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Are you sure his dry weight is correct? Is it possible that he’s gained “real” weight?