cramps in toes, feet

dollyclare

Has anybody a short term solutin for foot cramps.My G.P. says(long term) eat plenty bananas for potassium to help and have sufficient salt.But this does not help me get rid of them when they happen.What do runners do in a marathon when they get cramp.they hardly give up after all their training.?

Esel

Straighten your legs, strain your toes and feet upwards. Consider a potassium supplement?

DArcy

I had the same problems...chronic cramps in my feet and sometimes in my legs. They used to get really bad at night whilst I was asleep. I used to turn my toes as far up towards me as I could but it never worked. The pain could go on for anything up to an hour. My doc suggested I increase my potassium intake and that I exercised more, suggesting that the cramps were as a result of poor circulation in my legs. It worked. I haven't had many since.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

Cramp is usually caused by overexertion of the muscles involved or poor circulation - do you walk/run a lot or sit down/stand up a lot during the day? Poor ciruclation can also be cause by the room you're in being too cold.

Massage of the affected area helps, as should foot-baths in warm water mixed with epsom salts.

bug

drink more water. dehydration can cause really bad cramps.
I used to get them a lot on holidays, reason being...hot weather and lots of alcohol.

Victor

Well, balance the water with the potassium - eat healthy and drink 1.5-2 litres of water per day (alcohol, tea and coffee don't count). Alcohol screws with some people with potassium problems, I once saw someone go very white.....

Finding a stretching exercise routine might be and idea. Massage also.

dollyclare

thanks a lot for replies.I'm like Darcy-they last over an hour sometimes and it's very awkward if I'm out and about cause I can hardly walk.I think I'll try the potassium supplements and the hot bath with epsom salts.I probably over exercise.I do drink gallons of water. massage and curling feet don't help much.the main problem is when they happen in 2 feet at same time then I'm fairly snookered as regards moving.Thanks again

Black Swan

In addition to the water, supplements, and hot water treatments, have you considered getting into a routine of stretching? For example, I am sitting on the floor under a low coffeetable with my laptop before me and stretching my legs. It's a habit with me now. I don't even think of it.