How do you get rid of those cramps in your calf and foot?

Question

I eat bananas and stretch before I go swimming because that's when I usually get it.

But what do you do when you are having one? I just had one recently in my calf and when i touched the bottom of my foot my whole leg went numb and stiff. It hurt so bad I cried! I didn't know what to do, so i sat there trying to keep my leg as straight as possible but the pain kept coming in worse and worse.

I also had one at the bottom of my foot and my foot started to bend and bend by itself and i couldn't control it. It was so scary!! I had to force it straight again with my hands! It hurt just as bad as the one in my calf. Please, I don't ever want to feel this pain again..

Answer 1

you are having what are called charleyhorses. It happened to me when i was pregnant, (that is common) It is difficult to think what to do when in one position, your feet stop hurting, and in another, the legs stop, but its not the same position. What i have found works for me is to get up and stand on my legs, and walk around the house. I also after five or so minutes, sit or lie down and put my legs in the position that does not trigger the cramps, and try and go limp. (Getting tense tends to bring them back for me.) I found a site that discusses them, and one of the reasons it mentions is you have an electrolye imbalance. Maybe you need to get a sports drink and drink it before and then after your workout. it couldnt hurt. Hang in there!
http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprainsstrains/a/legcramp.htm

Answer 2

This is not an abnormal thing. The cramp in your calf is usually called a "Charley Horse", I don't know why. The best thing you can do is walk it off. It doesn't take long before it will stop. If you set down and it starts again, walk a little longer. I often get them during the night and they wake me up. It will still be sore in the morning, but just walking to the livingroom will stop the cramp. Banana's are a great source of potassium, which the lack of is usually the cause, good for you for eating them. As my mother would say "growing pains, we all get them"! But I have to add, you get more pains as you grow older.

Answer 3

I used to get those all the time, especially at night. My doc told me to just take a multivitamin on a regular basis. When I got it at night, I had to get up and walk it off. I found out that if I felt the pangs of a cramp coming on, and if you've had them, you know what I'm talking about, I would put a heat gel on my thigh or calf before it took hold. That also did the trick. I also used to get them from being dehydrated, like after mowing my huge lawn on a hot day and not getting enough fluids in me. I don't blame you for not wanting that kind of pain, it really bites! Good luck.

Answer 4

You have to eat bananas more often as part of your diet to get more potassium. Gatorade type drinks are also good to reduce cramps due to the electrolytes, potassium, and sodium they contain.

When you get a cramp in your foot, straighten up your toes. This will push out the tendons on the bottom of your foot so you can knead them with your fingers. You can also knead your calf muscle when it tightens.
I also find that sitting still for a few minutes helps them go away.

Answer 5

You should go and see a dr. That would be my best advise to you. My sister had bad cramps in her feet and calf part of her leg. She used to drink orange juice or bananas because they both have potassium...Not she buys quininne water and drinks 6 to 8 ounces at night and has never had a cramp again but she faithfully stays drinking her quinnine water. Try and see if this would help you..

Answer 6

If you drink a glass of Tonic water each night before bedtime,you will find it stops the leg cramps.This is because Tonic water contains a little Quinine which helps the leg cramps. The Tonic water does not taste very nice,but it will stop the cramps.

Answer 7

Cramps are painful and when swimming can be potentially dangerous. Firstly, it is not a good idea to eat anything within an hour of swimming, and secondly you may find you are low in calcium, a major contributing factor to muscular cramps. Suggestion: speak to your doctor about calcium supplements... he/she will be able to best dvise which course of action is best for you, the individual.

Answer 8

A Paramedic told me that my body was lacking enough salt(sodium) when that happens. He told me to go eat something really salty.

My husband also told me that when he played football the coaches would give them salt tablets to keep them from getting cramps. Make sure you drink lots of water.

When I was pregnant my doctor told me to cut back on my salt intake. When I did I got cramps in my legs all the time. so I think the sodium in your diet has alot to do with it.

When you get a cramp just try to walk it out and stretch it .

Answer 9

Bend your foot up toward your face, as far as you can. Hold it there. This will stretch out the cramped muscle.

Answer 10

i get those at night. there is really nothing you can do, but when it happens, i flex my foot as tight as i can and it seems to go away faster. but my leg is always sore the next day. hope this helps!