I get all sorts of cramps in my calves, shins, feet and toes. Do you have any useful remedies?
Cramps- what works : I get all sorts of... - British Heart Fou...
Cramps- what works
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Speakeazi
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No I don't sorry, but following on from the other post, can I ask if you get the cramps frequently?
Very often the result of a magnesium deficiency. A magnesium supplement may help or even an increase in magnesium- rich foods. I find eating dried apricots help me.
Random. So random. I can go weeks with nothing and then it can either kick off in the middle of the night or I get a sense of a cramp coming on and I take avoidance measures such as not putting any pressure on the area or even touching it if it’s my calf. I am also really careful when exercising to avoid stuff that will bring it on eg a leg pull stretch!
My husband used to get cramp in his calf a lot, he always pulls his toes towards him in a stretching manner & then puts his foot on the bathroom floor, it's tiled so very cold in the winter. On the few occasions I've had it in my calf his cure has seemed to help. I've not had it in my toes for sometime now, as I said previously it has eased up as I've got older. However, I am now gonna start keeping a log of when it happens, the weather, terrain etc and see if there's a pattern.
MilkfairyHeart Star
Oh yes the cramps in my calf when I stretch in the night.
Just like when I was pregnant it's a bit of a shock for them to return.
When they start in my calf I try and push my heel down while flexing my foot to my shin.
When the cramp is in the ball of my foot again I try and flex my toes up concentrating on parting my toes and push the ball of my foot out.
Oh and my goodness I do my breathing techniques....all good practice.
Apparently drinking tonic water helps, not sure whether gin is required though😉
My gran used to say 'Water is not tonic without the gin!'
Yes I've been told tonic water helps - so I bought a box of Fever Tree tonic water - it worked, haven't had cramp since!, and before you all say, never mind they'll go nice with gin, gin is the one drink I can't drink! 😤
That is tragic 😱
Thank you, I appreciate that you feel my pain 😢
Is it just gin or all spirits? I enjoy a tot of Laiphrog myself! 😀
Just gin, most other spirits I'm fine with
Interesting! I find just got if brandy gives me a headache but over the guidelines of whiskey, vodka or gin does not!
I’m with you Spirit, I’m another who can’t stand gin at all, there are a few of us out there! 🤣🤣 Jean
It is the quinine in the tonic water! Sometimes it (quinine) is prescribed for frequent cramps but less so these days as it can have side effects.
Apparently that’s to do with the quinine in the tonic water. I am aware some people have very strong. Quinine opinions!
Yes an extremely delicate approach is required when mentioning Quinine.
Maybe I've found the reason why my cramps have eased up....too much gin & tonic!
I don’t know anything about gin or tonic but have been told my cramps are possibly due to dehydration so I’m trying to drink more...water!
I get them when my feet are cold so I admit to wearing socks to bed!
When I get a cramp that persists, I shower the affected area with hot but bearable water. When the muscles have warmed up, the cramp has gone.
Magnesium phosphate natural therapy meds help.
Loving all the other replies but here is my remedy and I’ve suffered from leg cramps for years - water - just plain water. But you will need to drink about 2 litres a day. Try it and you’ll find you will sleep through the night! Good luck.
When you drink that amount of water AND take a diuretic you will NOT "sleep through the night". Believe me- if there was a frequent flyer privilege card for frequent nocturnal visits to the loo, I'd be rich.
😂😂😂
I heard bananas are great. I just hate those cramps.
Make sure the Tonoc water contains a good amount of Quinnine, as that is what does the trick in relieving the cramps.
I have been prescribed with Desunin which is a vitamin D supplement. Since taking a tablet daily I don't get cramp anymore.
Good health.
I am lucky to be able to get quinine sulphate prescribed for severe night cramps in my lower legs & feet. I know many countries have banned it's use because it is a muscle relaxant & the heart is of course a muscle, I was surprised that my EP & cardio had no objection to me continuing with it despite being on beta blockers & having a pacemaker.
I tried tonic water & bananas with out much success . Best wishes.
Isimply drink tonic water. Works every time.
I use magnesium oil spray
I have always done the same, I make my own so cheap to do so.
Ooh I’m intrigued as how to make it, is it complicated?
I bought 2kg of Magnesium citrate on the Net for £10.00 post free. To make it I use One Bottled water, not tap to many impurities in it. I pour the water it to a glass jug don’t( use metal) I then microwave it till it’s just tepid or just a bit warmer. I then put two Large spoonfuls of magnesium in to it. Stir it in till it desolves , don’t be to fussy the idea is to super saturated the water the I put it in to a spray bottle, got mine from the pound shop (just plastic) then use, I keep mine out of sunlight, if you don’t use a lot keep it in the Fridge, should last at lest 4 months. So much cheaper. Good luck.
Sounds simple enough, thanks, I’ll give it a go. 🙂
Easy you will save a bag of money,
Hi, I have suffered with leg cramps over a year, I took magnesium, changed salt intake, drunk more water but nothing helped. My remedy was a type of treatment in July where I was also diagnosed with early stenosis in my right leg following an ABPI score, the treatment worked and have no more cramps, screaming and dull ache.
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