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Posted 4/6/2006 9:58 AM (GMT 0)
hi

im always getting cramp been going on for a few months, mostly in the night and morning in feet and calf.I only have to turn over in the night and it sets it off. Was wondering if anyone else suffers this and is it anything to do with R A or is it age lol.

cheers mad smurf

Posted 4/7/2006 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
hey mad!
good to hear from you. how was Amsterdam?
cramps in the feet and calf muscle could be from lack of calcium or an electrolyte imbalance. make sure you're not dehydrated in anyway.
do you have any blood pressure or artery disease?
mostly it is a calcium thing....it's benign. you could try adding an extra glass of dairy (or Lactose free milk) to your day and see if it helps.
the other causes could be from improper blood flow....which you'de have to investigate further.
varicose veins can cause this. also...if you're flexing a muscle in the middle of the night and not knowing it...you could get a wicked cramp.
dehydration is a common cause.
socks too tight?
if you elevate your feet/legs...be sure that nothing is cutting into your leg at night. like a pillow pressing too hard under your knees.
have you ever seen a cardiologist?
take good care,
erin
Posted 4/7/2006 5:15 AM (GMT 0)

I had the same problem - and it still comes and goes.

The podietrist (?sp) showed me how to do a really deep stretch - like doing  a lunge, only use the wall to support yourself and get that pull in your calf. Strangly, when the calf is tight, your feet will suffer. I often use a countertop to lean against and try to get as good of a stretch in the back calf. Then do the other side. Watch out when starting this, i pulled something initially (I think I was already injured) and it was hard to do the stretch too deep. Work in to it slowly.

Play around with your posture to ensure you strech the whole calf. Hold in one position, then maybe move your leg back a little more and see if you get more of a stretch.

**

Posted 4/7/2006 9:34 AM (GMT 0)
hi erin and camama

thx for replies, amsterdam was good but think it would be much better in the summmer thx for asking.Iwill try to get more calcuim in diet but dont drink milk, will try yougart and milk pudding see if that helps, will also try out those stretches, thx again fot advice.

mad smurf

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