NiceCupOfTea said...
@Datawraith - I get the leg cramps too, but only when walking, particularly if I'm trying to go fast - usually have to slow right down and hobble along until it passes. I'll try the ice pack idea though. Never thought about potassium, so I'll try that too. (Do you get it through food or a supplement?)
I, too, have many I would like to bosh over the head... >_>
Thanks! The same back to you.
I mostly get the leg cramps while laying in bed and or asleep. At times, they've been so severe, the muscle/calf cramping, the muscle hurts for a few days after. I'm fortunate that I can eat bananas (don't bother my gut and I make sure to chew them very well) and they do help (Potassium), no doubt about
that.
If you're not able to eat a banana or feel uncomfortable about
eating the banana, have a banana smoothie. Besides, they're tasty.
The ideal way to use heat vs cold when it comes to sore muscles is cold first, then the heat. Cold reduces swelling, inflammation and relieves pain. Heat relaxes tightened, sore muscles and reduces pain.
It's usually best to first apply a cold compress for about
20 minutes at a time, that's what I do when I say I move the ice pack around my leg to different areas.
Heat after pain and swelling have decreased, usually two days after an injury. Heat is usually better than cold for chronic pain. That's how it works typically and to give you an idea or ideas.
I'm including it because of the pain I have in my calf for a few days after a massive cramp, without doing this, my calf will be sore for a good 3 days.
Hope this helps you.