Cramp

[EvianBaby]

I woke up three times in the night with cramp in my left knee. Then it happened again this afternoon. It came on this afternoon after I had been sitting with legs crossed but that obviously wasn't the reason for it through the night. I think it might have been when I stretched out. Had me in tears when it came on this afternoon.

Why do you get cramp and is there anything you can do to prevent it coming on again?

[EcclesCake]

I find I get cramp the most when I'm dehydrated.

I believe there might be a school of thought that links it to low salt levels too.

[EvianBaby]

Low salt? You mean the pile I tip on to the side of my plate to dip my chips in isn't enough?? :)

[naomi24]

Crampex tablets from the chemist.

[EvianBaby]

Oh balls, too late now. Will just cross my fingers I don't get it tonight.

[EcclesCake]

I did say 'might' ;-)

[naomi24]

Did you mean too late for the chemist? What about the supermarket chemists?

[EvianBaby]

The nearest supermarket with chemist is about half hour away from home.

[naomi24]

Ahh, right.

[EvianBaby]

Might be worth looking up what's in it though. One of my kitchen drawers is stocked better than Boots. Might have something similar.

[Eve]

I get it quite a bit (more legs and feet though) and read somewhere that you should let it go as fighting it can prolongue it. I've tried and it does hurt but I just "try" and relax and let it outcramp itself rather than fighting it.

[AceofClubs]

The doctor told my sister to throw the Crampex away and eat a banana every day to help when she had cramp.Something to do with bananas containing potassium.Worth a try,seemed to work anyway.Hope it helps you.

[askyourgran]

I tried Tonic water it has quinine in it which is supposed to relieve cramp. Also bananas and I've also heard that charcoal tablets are helpful. Not sure why.

[tenrec]

Our doctors prescribe quinine tablets.

[x-ray]

Gin and tonic and a banana sounds good - I haven't got cramp, but I think I will give the cure a try

[askyourgran]

Might try it myself now you mention it x-ray. Have you tried warming your legs/feet with a hot water bottle.

[Brinjal]

Slow mag and or slow k.

[naomi24]

I eat a banana every morning, but it clearly doesn't stop night cramps because I still get them. I've used Crampex for years, and only take them when cramp strikes - but they work very quickly.

[sandyRoe]

Have you started taking any new medicines? I never had cramp until I started taking tablets to treat high BP.

[mandy22]

I know someone who suffers very badly from leg cramps. she has been prescirbed quinine tablets, she drinks tonic water as its in that too. Also she was advised to put salt on her plated up food, even though she uses salt when cooking.
I was once told standing on a cold floor (ie a tiled bathroom floor) can bring instant relief to leg cramps when it strikes. not sure if it helps thou .
Also heard that cramps can be a side effect of anemia, not sure on this either thou