I admit, the topic of this post doesn't really deal with a fibro related issue. At least I have never had muscle cramps with my fibro- others might. However, I have been suffering from some good calf muscle cramps lately while trying to get my Achilles tendon stretched. WOW- can those muscles tighten up and cause some pain. I knew I needed some go to instructions to help me deal with this painful situation.
I never in my life had calf cramps until I was pregnant with my second child. They used to wake me up from a deep sleep and I would have to stumble around my bedroom in tears trying to work those nasty things out. Once the majority of the pain is gone, I always have a lingering soreness that sometimes can last for days. I am hoping to keep the pain to a minimum during this phase of physical therapy so here are some things I am hoping will help.
1. I have increased my water intake a great deal. I usually drink several large glasses of water but with the extra exercise that physical therapy brings, not to mention the hot humid weather we have had the last couple of days, I know this extra water is essential.
2. Increase vitamin c intake. This one was something I did not know. I have some vitamin c tablets that my oldest takes whenever he starts to get a cold. I plan on starting to take one a day to see if it helps.
3. Eat foods rich in potassium. I stopped on Friday and bought bananas. Usually bananas do not last in our household but thankfully the kids haven't been grabbing too many. I have eaten more bananas over the weekend than I have probably in the last month. Let me know if you see me swinging from the trees after this venture! Does anyone know some other foods that are rich in potassium I could add to my diet?
4. Apply Heat to the muscle. Up until now I have been ice, ice and icing my poor heel to the point where it is frozen for several minutes after I remove it from the ice. Ice was also mentioned in regards to muscle cramps so I probably will try that as well. I have avoided heat but honestly it feels wonderful on those cramped muscles. Ahhh.
5. Massage muscles after workout. Hmmm...maybe I can get the hubby to massage my calves. Poor guy already was in charge of cleaning up after dinner this weekend, along with all his other chores. Thank goodness he is a good sport and very understanding. I wonder if I could pay my youngest son to massage my calves? Probably, however he cannot usually sit still for more than 2 minutes unless he is zoned out in front of the tv (which then everything around him disappears and he is in his own world). I am guessing I might get half a minute out of him. I am guessing that won't be quite enough.
Does anyone else have any suggestions for me? I am willing to try just about anything at this point. Now if I can just find something to keep the swelling out of my heel and ankle. I am tried of having a flabby foot!
Thanks for stopping by and visiting me here on the hill. I hope you stop by and visit again soon.
I never in my life had calf cramps until I was pregnant with my second child. They used to wake me up from a deep sleep and I would have to stumble around my bedroom in tears trying to work those nasty things out. Once the majority of the pain is gone, I always have a lingering soreness that sometimes can last for days. I am hoping to keep the pain to a minimum during this phase of physical therapy so here are some things I am hoping will help.
1. I have increased my water intake a great deal. I usually drink several large glasses of water but with the extra exercise that physical therapy brings, not to mention the hot humid weather we have had the last couple of days, I know this extra water is essential.
2. Increase vitamin c intake. This one was something I did not know. I have some vitamin c tablets that my oldest takes whenever he starts to get a cold. I plan on starting to take one a day to see if it helps.
3. Eat foods rich in potassium. I stopped on Friday and bought bananas. Usually bananas do not last in our household but thankfully the kids haven't been grabbing too many. I have eaten more bananas over the weekend than I have probably in the last month. Let me know if you see me swinging from the trees after this venture! Does anyone know some other foods that are rich in potassium I could add to my diet?
4. Apply Heat to the muscle. Up until now I have been ice, ice and icing my poor heel to the point where it is frozen for several minutes after I remove it from the ice. Ice was also mentioned in regards to muscle cramps so I probably will try that as well. I have avoided heat but honestly it feels wonderful on those cramped muscles. Ahhh.
5. Massage muscles after workout. Hmmm...maybe I can get the hubby to massage my calves. Poor guy already was in charge of cleaning up after dinner this weekend, along with all his other chores. Thank goodness he is a good sport and very understanding. I wonder if I could pay my youngest son to massage my calves? Probably, however he cannot usually sit still for more than 2 minutes unless he is zoned out in front of the tv (which then everything around him disappears and he is in his own world). I am guessing I might get half a minute out of him. I am guessing that won't be quite enough.
Does anyone else have any suggestions for me? I am willing to try just about anything at this point. Now if I can just find something to keep the swelling out of my heel and ankle. I am tried of having a flabby foot!
Thanks for stopping by and visiting me here on the hill. I hope you stop by and visit again soon.
Heat packs are definitely a good idea for soothing the cramp. My sister made one out of a bathroom towel and filled it with rice. Works wonderfully!
ReplyDeleteI searched for high potassium foods. I found this article http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/sources-of-potassium.aspx, which says dried apricots, cantaloupe, beets, figs, honeydew melon, and orange juice are high in potassium. Hope that helps some!
Thanks Becca! My aunt also told me potatoes and sweet potatoes (as well as orange juice!).
ReplyDeleteI wish I could sew a straight line- I have seen those heat packs with rice and they sound wonderful. I might have to try to rig something so I can do that. Last night after a busy day and tough PT, my legs were cramping so bad.