Leg and toe cramps?

Question

Aside from bananas and potassium tablets, is there any other non-perscribed aid for this condition?

Answer 1

Dehydration can cause severe pain in the muscles. I recommend you drink purified water mixed with mineral water 50/50. This will replace the minerals that are exiting your body continuously. Mineral water is better than taking supplements because it provides your body The full spectrum of minerals and gets absorbed quickly by the body.

I suggest that adults and children drink 40 ounces of water per 100 pounds of body weight every day. Realize that exercise, ambient temperature, and state of health affect the water needs of your body.

Take a hot bath with 2c. of dissolved Epsom salts. Soak for 30 minutes. The Epsom salts will help eliminate the lactic acid that forms on the muscles from over exertion.

500mg of calcium and magnesium, taken twice daily, can help with diminishing the cramps.

Answer 2

Charley horse
Definition
A charley horse is the common name for a muscle spasm, particularly in the leg. Muscle spasms can occur in any muscle in the body. When a muscle is in spasm, it contracts involuntarily and does not relax.

Causes
Muscle spasms commonly occur when a muscle is over-used or injured. Working out when dehydrated or with low levels of minerals such as potassium or calcium can also predispose a person to muscle spasms.

Some spasms occur because the nerve that connects to a muscle is irritated. The classic example is a herniated disk irritating spinal nerves as they exit the back, causing pain and spasm.

Spasms in the calf commonly occur while kicking during swimming and can also occur at night while in bed. Upper leg spasms are more common with running or jumping activities. Spasm in the cervical spine (neck) can be a sign of stress.

Symptoms
When a muscle goes into spasm it feels very tight and is sometimes described as a knot. The pain can be severe and debilitating.

Exams and Tests
Muscle spasms are diagnosed by the presence of tight or hard muscles that are very tender to the touch. There are no imaging studies or blood tests that can diagnose this condition. If the spasm is caused by nerve irritation, such as in the back, an MRI may be helpful to determine the cause of the irritation.

Treatment
At the first sign of a muscle spasm, stop your activity and try stretching and massaging the affected muscle. Heat will relax the muscle at first, although ice may be helpful after the initial spasm and pain has improved. If the muscle continues to be sore, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help with pain. In more severe cases, your health care provider may prescribe anti-spasm medications.

After initial treatment, the cause of the spasm should be determined to prevent it from recurring. If an irritated nerve is involved, physical therapy or even surgery may be necessary.

The most common cause of muscle cramps associated with sports activity is dehydration. Often, rehydration with water or sports drinks will resolve the cramping.

Outlook (Prognosis)
Muscle spasms will resolve with rest and time. The outlook is excellent for the vast majority of people. Proper training techniques should prevent spasms from becoming a chronic problem. If an irritated nerve caused the spasm, more extensive treatment may be required and results are more variable.

When to Contact a Medical Professional
If you have a severe muscle spasm with uncontrollable pain, contact your health care provider for assistance. Even if your spasms are not severe, your health care provider can help you modify your exercise program to reduce the risk of spasms occurring in the future.

Prevention
Stretch to improve flexibility.
Modify your workouts to exercise within your capabilities.
Drink plenty of fluids while exercising and increase your potassium intake (orange juice and bananas are great sources of potassium).

Answer 3

The two main components are magnesium and potassium - both are found in molasses and bananas.
It sounds like you could use a massage therapist to help.
The best book on muscles is The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies
One of the other people who responded mentioned dehydration - the more accurate way to tell how much to drink (without sugar) is your weight divided by 2 times ounces.

Answer 4

I've always been told that drinking plenty of water will take care of leg cramps. Especially a glass before bed.

Answer 5

I have had leg cramps, arm cramps toe cramps and you name it cramps, I was low in magnesium. However a homeopathic tablet you can buy at any health food store by Hilands really helps within minites of dissloving under your tongue. they are not expensive about ten dollars ot less.

Answer 6

Make sure you are getting an adequate amounts of fluids...take calcium and magnesium supplements (but not at the same time)...an epsom salt soak in the tub (because epsom salts contain magnesium)...I always find very relaxing before bed.

Answer 7

i know this will sound just crazy...but it works. get a strong magnet and put at the foot of your bed...(tuck in sheets at foot and place inside)
i also use a rice bag to help with the pain.....you can make one by...getting a mens cotton sock (their long..and right thickness) fill with uncook rice ..just enough to make a flexible pack...tie the opening with yarn...or sew close. then place in microwave 2-3 minutes to heat. the rice stays hot longer and is the dry heat you need to help relax the cramp. this can also be used to help with headachesand backaches.. this is safer than a heating pad..(you can fall asleep using it..and not get burned)

Answer 8

quinine has been known for years to help with leg cramps, i have a friend who has restless leg syndrome and it has helped her a lot, you can get it in tablets or water...........

Answer 9

You need to drink more water!!!