Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Hello all,
I'm only a week into a new protocol and am having a lot of trouble with curling cramps of the feet and calves. The pain is so intense that it wakes me from sleep almost every night. Now they are happening during the daytime too.
Do any of you have any quick remedies for relief from this symptom?
I've tried supplementing with transdermal mag spray and food high in mag content. But this doesn't seem to be enough. I have never been able to tolerate any oral encapsulated mag.
I'm getting really desperate for ideas here to put a halt to this.
Thanks so much in advance, Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Hey Curly Q-
So sorry your feet are acting like little pigs!
Maybe try calcium to relax the muscles- always works for me and my big feet when they cramp like the dickens... and I use Coral Calcium but any for now may help..
And eat a banana and a potato for potassium. Maybe some Gator Aide if you can stomach the sweet.
And/or... and I know I know... not the answer you want to hear.. but...
Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
IM magnesium shots work really well, if your doctor will prescribe them.
How about soaking your feet in Epsom salts and hot water for at least twenty minutes and see if that
gives you any relief.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Hey Dearie,
I drink at least 2 cups of milk per day with my morning coffee and I have been eating potatoes and bananas this week. I'll see if I can find some calcium in the cabinet.
No, I don't want to back down on the meds already...its only been 9 days! How did I turn into such a wimp?
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Oh, I DO have Epsom salts and baking soda on hand- I'll try that too.
Thanks so much to you both!!! Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
If they hurt as bad as mine do... uggg!!! But I've got another idea.
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Guess what I found in the cabinet? Coral calcium from way back when. Do you think it would still be alright to take?
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
Melanie, The usual recommendation for cramps is magnesium, but if you can't tolerate oral supplements, here is something else you could try.
Carol
Posts: 6947 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Good morning Carol!
Funny you should mention that as one of my best friends had me try that a few years ago. I would actually place the hotel soaps in my socks at night...no such luck, I'm afraid.
Whatever helped those people isn't helpful for me at this time.
I did end up skipping my evening meds and soaking my feet and ankles in the bath with Epsom and baking soda last night and I am pleased to report it worked for the cramps.
Now, if I could just find something to help with the nerve issues, Id be all set!
Thank you each so much for the help! M
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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shazdancer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1436
posted
I see the replies got it -- it's a balance between magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Exercise-wise, you can try stretching the achilles, the calf, and the back of the knee. Stand against a wall, and walk back 3 foot-lengths. Step one foot forward in a lunge, both hands on the wall, back straight.
Keeping your back leg straight and heel on the floor, bend your front knee to stretch the back leg. (It should feel good and "stretchy," don't make it hurt). Hold for twenty+ seconds, then slowly switch legs. Repeat twice more, for a total of 3 reps on each leg. Do this twice a day.
If you're in the middle of a cramp, the trick is to relieve the cramp by keeping it warm and stretching the muscle out without using the muscle to move it. For example, for a foot cramp, relax the foot and pull the toes and ankle back with your hands. Keep the knee bent.
Just some ideas,
Shaz
Posts: 1558 | From the Berkshires | Registered: Jul 2001
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
How's de little feet dis mornin'?
Been worried bout you!
Hope much better.
And Shaz has it down..
She said..
"it's a balance between magnesium, calcium, and potassium."
I will get up and drink a double dose of "Emergen-C". It's a powdered vitamin and mineral supplemnt with electrolites and stuff. It's kind of a lot of sugar to drink at night, but I also fill up on water, since dehydration is probably contributing.
If it's really bad, then I'll go get the warming herbal balm and massage and warm the offending tissues 'till they settle down.
Of course this does wonders for the insomnia! Now that your leg feels better are you gonna be able to get back to sleep? Sheesh.
Good luck.
-------------------- Be Well Posts: 103 | From Out West | Registered: Jan 2009
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Hey Rambler, I just finished a big glass of Emergen-C that was also hiding in my cabinet. Thanks for the suggestion as I had forgotten that I bought it the last time I dealt with this issue! Yes, going back to sleep is NOT an option after some really bad cramping. I'm beginning to feel very worn down from that already.
Hi TC, Thanks for checking back in on me. Did you see my question as to the potency of the Coral Cal from a while ago?
Miss Shaz, I'll be sure to try stretching today. I use to do those exact ones for Plantar f...so know them well. Thanks so much for the suggestions.
Once again, I appreciate each of you!
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Well, I was up too early so went back for a nap. Now I have to wake up all over again.
Maybe you can try to get a siesta?
As for the calcium...
If kept stored properly I would personally use it up until a year after the expiration date and that was told to me by a pharmacist for most circumstances.
Hint- When I take mine I take it before going to bed.. and in the AM now if you are bad... but just a thought.
It relaxes muscles and it can also relax ME to where I get tired.
So if you are ok with that- take some now. Then again later. Maximum dose both times on the first day.
Hope it helps. I know the pain and jump-up in the night while sleeping makes it real difficult to get back to sleep.
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Thanks my love,
I'll take some now and maybe I can catch a siesta with dreams of warm sunny sands and tropical fruit drinks. Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
IM Magnesium and Oral Potassium. Calcium helps, but those other two are more likely to be responsible (In many cases).
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
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