Hi all
I really don't know where to put this so do move it if it should be moved: recently I have been getting cramp in my foot (my toes kind of curl into one another). This has happened before but a couple of nights ago it happened while I was in bed, and that's a new phenomenon. I sometimes get cramp in my hand too. (Right foot, right hand.)
Any ideas?
Love and thanks
Sunanda xxxx
RE: Cramp!
Can't say what is causing it, and sure others will help...but in the meantime, Tonic Water is meant to be really helpful in reducing cramp, think it is the quinine in it. You are also allowed to add gin or vodka!;)
RE: Cramp!
Cramp's symptomatic of a lack of salt in the diet, so the odd packet of crisps should help as a preventative measure. Any cramp in the calves/feet and toes can be got rid of if you pull your toes upwards towards your knees. Believe me it'll feel wierd but will stretch those muscles and get rid of the discomfort. [:@] As for the hands, I'm a guitarist and if I'm not warmed up properly often get cramps in my fingers. I just have to stretch and massage my hands lots 'til the pain goes away.
I hope this helps
Grub
x
RE: Cramp!
Another reason could be an electrolyte imbalance (usually due to due to dehydration problems) which includes the minerals sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
For me, I was low in magnesium for a longish time and suffered really bad leg cramps until I was eventually put on a magnesium supplement (Slow-Mag).
But it's important not to just supplement without checking out your levels first ; also supplements for cramps need to have the correct ratio balance.
But it may be just a temporary situation for you Sunanda that may just clear on its own with good nutrition and adequate water consumption
astra
x
RE: Cramp!
The heat doesn't help as we excrete salt and other necessary minerals in our diets. Marjoram essential oil (5ml blended in 10mls of carrier oil or lotion) is helpful, but don't use during pregnancy.
Lesley
RE:>Cramp!
Thanks all. I did know about salt - and do use it in moderation. I also take magnesium, calcium and zinc daily - but how can one tell if one is using the correct mineral supplements? Anyway, thankfully, since posting I haven;t suffered from cramp again. So am crossing my toes that it doesn't come back. (And I try to drink plenty of water too.)
Thanks once again for your help.
Love
Sunanda xxxx
RE: RE:>Cramp!
Hi Sunanda
I, too, suffer from occasional cramp - agony isn't it!!! [&o] - but mainly during hot spells and/or when I am tired.
Many years ago my family spent a couple of years in Pakistan, and we swallowed salt tablets at meals, because the amount of salt deemed necessary to replace that lost in perspiration would have made the food quite unpalatable if sprinkled over it.
More recently, during a heatwave, i went to the chemist and asked for salt tablets, only to be told that it was bad for me, they didn't keep them any more etc. I was offered sachets of electrolytic (? spelling) salts and at a quid a go I said no thanks, went home and invented a drink consisting of fruit juice, hot water to bring it to blood temperature, a teaspoon of powdered glucose and a good pinch of salt.
I still make and take this if feeling jaded during hot spells, and within 5 minutes I'm back on form, every time. Very seldom do I add salt to food normally, though, and if I do I use lo-salt (less sodium).
How do you fare when you spend your winters in India?
RE: RE:>Cramp!
Hi Hol
In India we can buy those packets of electrolyte salts to dissolve in water for something like 25p a time so I occasionally buy them, otherwise I just drink litres of water a day - and I don't recall getting cramp in India.
What were you doing in Pakistan BTW?
Love
Sunanda xxxx
RE: RE:>Cramp!
Message edited by Holistic. I've sent you a PM instead!