I've had a series of bouts of night cramps these last few nights. Mostly in the front of my ankle and awful pain. I was considering Quinine tablets. My Mum and Aunty take them and my Dad took them. They do help. It's the small amount of Quinine in Tonic water that helps, but perhaps not enough. Had a look on Google. Have a look at http://www.askbootshealth.com/a_to_z/leg_cramps/treatments
and this from another website states high OR low potassium levels can be a cause - but (when I was in my teens I had a lot of cramp and the then GP told me to carry salt and put some on the tip of my tongue if I had cramp!)http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068794/

QUOTE
Quinine
Quinine tablets are a common treatment. Quinine often reduces the number and severity of leg cramps, but may not stop them altogether. One tablet at bedtime is the normal dose. A four week course is commonly tried at first and can be continued if the number of leg cramps is reduced. It may be worth stopping the quinine tablets every three months or so to see if they are still needed.

Most people can take quinine, but do not take it if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. There are also some rare conditions where you should not take quinine. (These include: a previous reaction to quinine; a previous haemolytic anaemia; optic neuritis; glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.) Side-effects are uncommon at the low dose used to treat leg cramps. Read the medicine packet leaflet for a full list of possible side-effects. Note: quinine is dangerous in overdose, particularly in children. Keep tablets away from children.
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Think I've convinced myself now to try the quinine tablets and the spoon!image
love elaine xx