Calf Cramps: Causes, Relief & Potential Medication Links

Question
FOR THE LAST 10YRS, I'M ALWAYS ON MY FEET. I CAN STAND FOREVER, BUT RECENTLY I STARTED A NEW JOB IN A GROCERY STORE, AND I CANT EVEN WALK THE AISLES WITHOUT MY CALVES CRAMPING UP SO BAD THAT I CANT WALK BUT IF I STAND THERE FOR A MIN THEY STOP HURTING. BUT AS SOON AS I START WALKING THEY CRAMP REALLY BAD...   I NEVER HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE.  COULD IT BE MY MEDICATION THAT I TAKE. WHICH FOR MY THYROID.  IT WOULDN'T SURPRISE IT SEEMS TO AFFECT A LOT OF THINGS.   MY RIGHT CALVES ALWAYS HURTS THE WORST.   I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE LACK OF POTASSIUM?  CAN U HELP ME I WOULD REALLY BE GRATEFUL TO GET YOUR OPINION.   THANK YOU MUCH...  

Answer
While I cannot dispense medical advice, I can certainly empathize with your situation. My wife is on thyroid medication, so I know it can affect people in many ways. It probably does have to do with your cramping, although I don't know the mechanism. I'm not aware of thyroid medication affecting electrolytes such as potassium.

The only advice I could give you is to eat lots of fruits and vegetables to make sure you have plenty of electrolytes. Doing some regular calf stretching exercises might be helpful.