Cramp

[Palustris]

Last night I had the worst onset of cramp I have ever had. Took half an hour of massaging my calf to reduce it to bearable.
Question is what is the best thing to do? Heated pad? Ketoprofen rub?

[pastafreak]

For immediate relief, I take a bit of sea salt on my tongue or in water. It really works for me.

[dannyk13]

Quinine has often been recommended for cramp.
https://healthhearty.com/tonic-water-for-leg-cramps

[EDDIE51]

As 1st answer! Lack of salt in the diet has often been found to cause cramp! A small amount of salt is essential in the Human diet !

[pixie374]

I think quinine has been found not to make any difference now. I did look after two ex professional dancers, who swore by a packet of crisps to prevent cramp. So, I suspect salt might be the answer.

[naomi24]

Magnesium tablets. One a day. I've been taking these for a few years and, after years of suffering, haven't had a bout of cramp since.

[LadyCG]

Take vitamin D and magnesium supplements and add epsom salts to your bath.

[Quizmonster]

In preparation for cramp-attacks, I always have a small bottle of
tonic-water...and a bottle-opener...waiting in the bathroom. Seems to work!

[sanmac]

Same here, a can of tonic water...Works every time.

[Sqad]

If this is your first attack, then don't go looking for magic cures, as they don't exist.
My advice is to drink water last thing at night before you go to bed, as dehydration is the commonest cause particularly in the summer months and when the cramp comes on, massaging, screaming and shouting will settle this down....eventually.
Monitor the situation and get back to us if the cramps continue.

[New Judge]

"In preparation for cramp-attacks, I always have a small bottle of
tonic-water...and a bottle-opener...waiting in the bathroom."

I have mine waiting in the drinks cabinet and usually deaden the taste by adding a large measure of Bombay Sapphire and a slice of lime. I usually take it around six to seven in the evening just to give it time to work :-)

[Bazile]

//In preparation for cramp-attacks, I always have a small bottle of
tonic-water...and a bottle-opener...waiting in the bathroom. Seems to work!//

But surely drinking it when the attack comes on is too late - shouldn't you be drinking it , on a regular basis ?

[Sqad]

Bazile....he does! ^^^^

[Old_Geezer]

I find it difficult to believe that any of the cramp attacks I've had were down to a lack of salt !

[sanmac]

Bazile, I don't know if that would work. For example, if you get a headache take a couple of aspirin (or your pill of choice), but I don't think taking that pill 'all the time' would prevent you getting headaches.

[Bazile]

sqad

//In preparation for cramp-attacks,//

Right - i suppose that could be interpreted in two ways .

In preparation as in - beforehand

In preparation as in - ready to drink it when an attack comes on

:-)

[Bazile]

NJ

What brand of TW do you drink ?

We drink the 'Asda Indian Tonic Water' - and the taste is quite acceptable

[sandyRoe]

Have you been prescribed any new medication recently?

[Palustris]

Already drink Tonic water (last Blood test I was asked if I drank a lot of Gin. I don't actually drink any alcohol.)
As far as salt is concerned I had some very salty crisp like things mid evening, so not salt. Supposed to be on a salt free diet in any case.
Not asking how to prevent Cramp (standing on Step ladders does it to me every time) rather wondering what to do when ....if.. it strikes.

[jamesnan]

I have found that medications cause me to have cramp, specifically those which "line" the stomach eg Lanzaprazole. I have been prescribed 4 of these, various types, and they have all ended up giving me night cramp. When I stopped taking them the cramps stopped. I am now on Pantoprazole, which fingers crossed, seems to be working so far.

[derekpara]

Tonoc water works well, but try this; it may sound odd but it was recommended to me and it works for me. So, on the onset of cramp press hard on your upper lip just below the nose. Hold until cramp passes, usually a few seconds.

Let me know if it works.

Cheers.

D