Posted by
Retired
14 yrs ago
I often have leg cramps esp in the middle of the night and no, I'm not pregant. The doctors I've seen offered no cure except to wear socks or keep warm. Also been to chinese herbalist - no cure. I exercise a lot but I do stretch before and after. So two questions:-
1. Anyone knows what can be done to reduce cramps?
2. How do you reduce the pain when you have cramps - I tried breathing in and out and that helps.
Thanks
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Dear, Retired.
Reply my mesage in your mail box.
Good day to you.
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190k
14 yrs ago
Pinch your upper lip really hard so that the pain in the lip stops the reflex cramp signals.
Check your salt levels as well. Also walk after you exercise to flush out the uric acid from your muscles. I normally walk 1/4 -1/3 the distance I ran immediately after running as well as stretching.
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It could be due to dehydration and salt levels. Here's links to websites on potential causes, how to reduce their frequency and how to reduce the pain/duration of the cramps:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/night-leg-cramps/MY00410
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-causes-nocturnal-leg-cramps.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cramp
Hope that helps
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Thanks everyone. I think I need to drink more water and check my potassium intake. I also must admit I do not take enough time to cool down after exercise. Will pay attention to that.
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i think u need to exercise and move your limbs to increase the blood flow. or else you will be prone to cramps.
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Hi Retired,
I used to have leg cramps in mid night too when i am tired/overtired/understress or sleepless for a period of time. Take more rest /relax , do some soft exercise but not over exercise, have a good relaxing massage..etc can help.
To release your pain on the leg, use 15 drops of essential oil of lemongrass or rosemary or chamomile mixed in 30ml of veg oil and apply on the affected area will helps.
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Try sleeping with your legs elevated, stick some pillows under your feet so that your feet are slightly higher than your waistline, see if it helps!
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Cut down on salt, salt will dehydrate the muscle, resulting in cramps. Keep good circulation, go for a walk before you go to bed and stretch.
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Acupuncture might help too.
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190k
14 yrs ago
Justin,
If someone does a lot of exercise in the heat they will lose salt through sweat and thus the alkaline salt will not balance out the lactic acid the muscles produce during exercise. Its all about balances and flushing out the lactic acid.
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Check Potassium, sodium, calcium and Magnesium. the rest of the advice sounds good except the acupuncture part ( I think stimulation most likely to induce more cramps!)
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Thanks everyone. Will try the good advice given before winter kicks in as I get more cramps in winter.
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Hi Retired,
If you cramps more offen in winter , this might be more related to the body circulation then. Try a hot foot bath for around 15 mins before you go to sleep to see if it helps. (add ginger power OR rosemary essential oil with it will have better result if you don't have high blood pressure).
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maz27
14 yrs ago
Or perhaps you may be suffering with Restless Legs Syndrome - I am a sufferer. check out http://www.rls.org/Page.aspx?pid=543#1 I have suffered with these cramps since I was a young child which got worse as I got older. After seeking a lot of medical advice and taking part in various tests I was finally diagnosed with this problem. I now take carbamazephine tablets when they are bad - particularly at night. I am not suggesting you definitely have this problem but just felt you should know this information and should always seek medical advice.
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