Any home remedies for foot cramps?

For about a month, I've been having foot cramps, especially in my right foot, daytime and nighttime.  Even after the cramp is gone, I have residual pain.  It's very annoying.

My potassium level is normal.  I'm well hydrated.  I don't have any circulation problems.  I don't recall injuring the foot. I wear supportive shoes when I exercise.

I asked my surgeon about it last week and he said he could prescribe a muscle relaxer, but muscle relaxers make me drowsy, so I said no thanks.  I've tried ice packs, moist heat, and liquid Tylenol.

Can anybody recommend a home remedy or nutritional supplement?

Thanks,
Jean

Hi Jean,

I get foot cramps quite a bit. Sometimes just massaging the cramp helps. It all depends where in the foot it is. Sometimes I get a cramp in the front part of the foot from wearing shoes that pitch my foot forward. Other times more in the arch area where I either roll a golf ball under the arch on the floor. Sometimes I find alternating moist heat and a cold pack of frozen peas helps. Other times leg stretchs help. Women's shoes are horrible for providing good support. I now wear Haflinger shoes that I buy on eBay to help.

Diana

Don't know what you base you potassium level on but it can't hurt to eat more bananas.  I think that they try to apply "normal" measurements to our hybridized systems and "one size fits all" doesn't always fit for us.

So, try a banana each day.... add a little peanut butter for protein and see if it helps.  It certainly is less drastic than drugs....

Hey Jean!  Find a massage therapist and get a reflexology treatment or try accupuncture
Val

I was getting them often.  My potassium levels were good also, but my magnesium levels were not.  I now take magnesium every day and no more cramps.  I used to put an ice pack on them for immediate relief.  Have you had your magnesium levels checked?

When I have em, its magnesium every time. I take it before bed often. Hope it works for you.

Blessings
Betsy

My husband suffers a lot from bad leg cramps. Since he started taking an over the counter potassium supplement they have been far fewer. I believe 99mg a day. I also have started taking a calcium magnesium supplement to see if it helps with my restless legs.  None of these suggestions should do any harm. I've heard that it takes a lot of bananas to get very much potassium. I like them and eat them regularly, but Mike also takes the supplement along with the bananas. Best wishes,

Jean, Now I can't look at your picture without thinking of your dog! You imprinted that photo comparison in my head. But you are both adorable so that's ok.