How can a leg cramp be stopped?!
Question: What can I do to make the calf cramping stop without having to endure the whole time before it fades away?
My husband isn't here to massage it away, but he suggested a shot of vinegar when the cramp begins...???
Answers: What can I do to make the calf cramping stop without having to endure the whole time before it fades away?
My husband isn't here to massage it away, but he suggested a shot of vinegar when the cramp begins...???
All of the answers you have been given so far have benefit. I don't know one way or the other about the vinegar helping but it won't hurt. Potasium deficiency is often a cause of muscle spasms (cramps) supplementing it in a small natuiral way like a banana or even lite salt vs regular salt can help. The muscle exercizes mentioned do often help. A couple of other things that also help are to be sure you have enough water all through the day because any dehydration does make leg cramps more likely and get some Bengay or other over the counter muscle rub to rub on the leg muscle if it cramps. If you can't readily reach it get a long handled dish sponge, a back scratcher,a ruler whatever you need to be able to get at the spot. Before you go to sleep each night do 25 toe flexes pointing toes down and up, 25 toe clentches where you curl toes tightly as possible then spread as far as possible,and 25 "bicycle pumps" by moving your legs as if gently peddling a bike. These all can be done while lying down and you can increase the number of each as your muscles get more used to it. The idea is to improve both circulation and flexability which lessens cramping. Keep your legs warm and avoid anything that cuts down circulation both daytime and night time. For ex some knee high hose have bands tight enough to leave a mark and those cut circulation, for some people sleeping with one leg on the other cuts circulation so if they sleep on their side they need a pillow between their knees. For some people certain chairs cut off blood flow at the back of the knees and when the blood flows again cramps and pain can follow. Things like this lessen circulation in general and the cramps ofteh though not always show up at night when the muscles relax in bed. They can happen daytimes too.
If you try these things and the cramps persist talk with your doctor. There are meds that can help one is an OTC product but it can interact with other meds and can have some oddball effects for some ppl so it is better to have medical advice. Cramps that persist like that can also be a warning of other problems so need to be checked out if basic home remedies don't help. Leg circulation problems can indicate circulation problems elsewhere in your body and by warning you of those so they can be checked on the leg crampsawful as they are can be a life saving alarm.
You could be low on potassium or calcium. Drinking tonic water helps cramps. If it is really bad and won't go away, see a doctor. If you are on birth control, you could have a blood clot.
Eat a banana, they have lots of potassium. Ask your doctor about supplements if this is the case. You don't wnat to overdo it on the potassium either.
no... flex your leg as soon as it starts...point your toes out like you are a ballerina, hold for 3 seconds and then bend your toes back toward you for 3... repeat and the pain vanishes....
You need to stand up and tiptoe...count to 15 and then go stand normally and do it at least 4 times...do that every time you start to feel the cramp. That's my secret and I get well fast. Hope it helps. By the way this is a serious answer.