AN A-Z OF LUMBAR OR PAIN AND LEG PAIN: CRAMP
Cramp is often due to a magnesium deficiency which slows up when the cellular pumps do not maintain a correct distribution of sodium, potassium and calcium across the cell membrane. Magnesium is essential for this metabolic process. Food sources of magnesium include nuts, soy beans, whole grains and green leafy vegetables.
Try the mineral tablet magnesium phosphate from your health store. Combine it with lecithin (from soy powder) and potassium phosphate. I give that combination for night cramps, two tablets before bed.
If the cramp is in the calf, stretching the cramped muscle against the contraction and walking around the room is preferable to just massage. Applying heat relaxes the muscle, but to prevent it happening, don’t stand on cold floors. Watch this with little boys when you march them half-asleep to the toilet at night. Poor circulation may be involved with cramping.
Acupuncture is clinically useful for cramp.
Homoeopathics suggested for cramps:
Calcium carb for cold knees and cramps in the calves.
Colchicum for hot arthritic feet with cramp.
Cuprum met for severe cramp in palms, calves and soles of feet.
Magnesium phos for cramps in leg muscles.
Nux vomica for night cramps with no special cause.
Make sure the cramp is not a disguised sciatica if in the legs or a brachial neuritis if in the arm. See your chiropractor for an assessment. Cramps are also due to nerves that are being irritated near the spine.
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