CALF, CRAMP IN: TREATMENT
If you feel a cramp suddenly occur in your calf, you can try to stretch it out manually or by walking. If it’s too painful to manage, try massaging your leg and the cramped area.
If your leg cramps frequently wake you in the middle of the night, you can try raising the foot of your bed or taking an over-the-counter medication such as Qval. If you are taking diuretics, ycu may want to take a potassium supplement to replace some of the potassium you’re losing. These preparations come in pill, liquid, and powder form. However, since any potassium supplement can be potentially corrosive to the digestive system, some precautions are in order. I recommend that my patients use a coated potassium pill such as Slow-K or Micro-K or a granulated potassium supplement that is dissolved in orange juice. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you, and you should never take all of your potassium pills at once if you have missed taking them for a day or so. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water each day, since dehydration can cause leg cramps in some people.
If cramps occur during exercise, it may help to stretch before and after each exercise session to loosen up the muscles and prevent them from tightening up.
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