Cramp!

[gilox]

Think I may have asked about this before but does anyone have a “ Go to” remedy for night cramps? These are really vicious in my calves & feet, have tried quinine (on the loo pretty much all day) drinking more, bananas, tonic water, magnesium tablets. After yet another bad night I’m really desperate! Thanks all!🥰

[Fruitandnutcase]

I’ve tried all the stuff you mentioned without success, in fact I found drinking tonic water seemed to make mine worse. I’ve come to the conclusion that the fastest way I can get rid of the cramp is to get off the bed and stand up and soon as it wakens me.

Once I’ve stood up and my foot / leg straightens out it seems to sort itself out.

I used to try to stretch / straighten things out lying down but standing definitely works best for me.

If I get up right away I get back to sleep quickly although some mornings I still waken with a real pain in pain the muscle that was cramped. It’s horrible and much more painful that people who don’t get it realise.

[gilox in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thank you! X

[Hidden]

Oh I get this . It’s at its worst when RA active . I have a shiatsu foot massager that seems to help as does Epsom salts bath . When RA active it doesn’t stop hem but intensity is certainly less. It works for me but we are all different

[oldtimer]

I have a pillow at the bottom of the bed so that I don't point my toes! That, at least, helps to prevent the cramp in the legs. I've also found eating marmite (during the day obviously!) helps me.

[sylvi]

Try a bar of soap inbetween your sheets and mattress cover darling. xxx

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to sylvi]

Hmmm. That sounds interesting Sylvi, I’ve never heard of that before, how does the soap work and is it any special sort or just anything?

[sylvi in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Just any sort without the wrapping on it. Try it darling. xxx

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to sylvi]

😊 will do, trouble is my cramp is unreliable in that I never know when it’s likely to happen - suppose I could just leave the soap in the bed all the time.

[sylvi in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thats what i do darling. Bob changes the sheets every Monday and he puts it back in when he makes it. It doesn't matter what sort of soap you use as long as you take it out of the packet. xxxxx

[springcross]

Hi gilox. I've been looking for this video as we came across it a couple of years ago and it's really good. My hubby uses it as he get bad calf and foot cramp and this one works really quickly - you can skip the initial part about the arm - the calf and foot part starts at 1:47.

[gilox in reply to springcross]

Sounds good!

[vonniesims]

Have you spoken to your GP about it? and good luck with that, a phone call will probably do

[gilox in reply to vonniesims]

Yes, not interested!

[Richmond162]

Hi. When I am aware that a cramp is coming on in my legs I pull my toes forward towards me as hard as I can. Sometimes this stops the cramp getting worse and seizing the muscle. Hope it helps you.

[Haz58 in reply to Richmond162]

I do that too.

[gilox]

Thank you all for your help & kindness, I will give the soap a try! Just a thought, does anyone’s big toe dance a little jig all on its own when the cramp goes to the foot? OH finds it hilarious,but it really hurts!

[Mmrr]

As someone else said, getting out of bed as quick as you can and standing flat on the foot, preferably on a cold floor. Pulling your toes up, so stretching out the calf helps too.My cramps tend to be more active when the RD is poorly controlled.

[gilox in reply to Mmrr]

I seem to get it every b****y night feels like calf muscle is going through a mincer, but guess there are worse things out there!😉

[Mmrr in reply to gilox]

Cramping calves are painful.