Cramps ! | Arthritis Information

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Who gets them and where? I get them in the arch of my foot and the calvesIf I get cramps it's like 6t5.  Calves, foot arches..  Are you a runner,6t5?This is a new one on me but I have a cramp in my calf that developed during the night.The only cramps I get are the girly kind. Noi runner just feel ancient !!I get bad cramps in my calves and feet. My doc said its the RA affecting my muscles. I was tested for deficiencies but have none. I get it worse when I rest.Calves. They are not fun either.  I get toe cramps - drives me crazy.  Usually hits between big toe and 2nd toe - 4 of them go one way and the toe goes the other. In my calves, but only when the knees don't like me. It's totally connected.


OH and in my thumbs - thats a fun one in the middle of signing your name! LOL
Hey 6t5,

 
Here's some information on the subject for what it's worth. I'm gonna cut it up and just post what I feel is pertinent. Hey, that link to the old 1952 and 1954 vidioes of downtown Detroit were so cool, thanks and ya know what? Most of those buildings are still there. Anyway, here's the lowdown or laydown stolen from Wikipedia:
 
Nocturnal leg cramps

Nocturnal leg cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that occur in the calves, soles of the feet, or other muscles in the body during the night or (less commonly) while resting. The duration of nocturnal leg cramps is highly variable with cramps sometimes only lasting a few seconds and other times several minutes. Soreness in the muscles may remain for some time after the cramp ends. These cramps are more common in older people but may happen to anyone. They can happen quite frequently in teenagers and in some people while they are exercising at night. Nocturnal leg cramps can be very painful, especially if the person is dehydrated.

The precise cause of these cramps is unclear. Potential contributing factors are believed to include dehydration, low levels of certain minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium), and the reduced blood flow through the muscles attendant in prolonged sitting or lying down. Less common causes include more serious conditions or the use of drugs.

Nocturnal leg cramps may be relieved by stretching the affected leg straight out and pointing the toes upward. People report that quickly standing up and walking a few steps may also shorten the duration of a cramp.

Nocturnal leg cramps (almost exclusively calf cramps) are considered to be 'normal' during the late stages of pregnancy. They can however vary in intensity from mild to incredibly painful. Although unproved, a commonly accepted treatment is a starchy foodstuff before bedtime such as porridge or rice.

Muscle cramps can be treated by applying a soft massage on the cramped muscle, stretching the muscle and applying heat or cold. Heat improves superficial blood circulation and makes muscles more flexible, so some people find that heat is more soothing for muscle cramps than applying ice. Application of excessive heat or cold to sore muscles may bring on cramps. Pounding on a cramped muscle can increase soreness.

  • In the case of inadequate oxygenation, excess lactic acid, produced by anaerobic respiration, builds up and stresses the muscle. In addition to the methods described above, cramps from poor oxygenation can be improved by rapid deep breathing.
  • Cramps from lack of water and/or salt can be treated, of course, by drinking water and/or increasing salt intake, respectively.

There is no scientific evidence to support the widely held claim by the sports nutrition industry that intake of specially composed electrolyte drinks has any advantage over intake of plain table salt (via drink or food) and water to counter these electrolyte disturbances and muscle cramps in people with a well-functioning renal system.

Eating foods high in potassium can help prevent muscle cramps.[2] Foods with high sources of potassium include, in order from highest to lowest: avocados, potatoes, bananas, broccoli, orange juice, soybeans and apricots, although it is also common in most fruits, vegetables and meats.

Here's the link if you want to read it all:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cramp
 
LEV
 
The ones in my calves are from pinching a nerve. I can actually FEEL it get pinched. And then everything below my knees goes ape-sh*t. Best thing I can do for it, is get my knee relaxed and elevated.

My thumbs are the same thing, I have horrific tendinitis in them, so again, pinched nerves!
Thanks Lev,
Drinking lots of water is a great way not to get cramps not only  before during and after a workout but just for a healthy body in general .
I get them everywhere. Today it was the big toe. Yesterday the wrist. Day before that the foot. Day before that the calf. I get them in toes, calves, upper leg muscle, and hands. I also have horrific monthly girlie cramps. I try to eat a banana every day and I drink lots of water. Dr also prescribed muslce relaxers after trying to give me a pelvic exam and couldn't 3 times because of muscle cramps. They work well and I take them at bedtime.Thanks Lev, Glad you liked the Detroit Video's. AS I had sais that Brass Raill Bar really caught my eye. Looks like many get cramps. I also have a ton of twitching esp in my calvesYes we get the twitching also. calf cramps  and they stay sore for days, and a weird spasm thing in my feet  the toes all hyperextend and  the whole toe area gets rigid, and omg it hurts.. and only at night..  like when I roll over in bed.. boy I hate those
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