Lifestyle choices
Natural therapies
What to avoid
Lifestyle choices
Dietary changes. Look at the natural salt you eat in your diet. There is no need to overdo it (and excess salt may contribute to fluid retention) , however a bit of natural sea salt may help. Alternatively, electrolyte sports drinks or mineral waters may be just as effective, as well as containing magnesium.
Physical activity and exercises. Some gentle daily exercise such as walking, swimming or yoga helps with blood circulation in the legs.
Pointing your toes down can trigger a cramp. If you are stretching in bed point your toes up towards your body. Bending your foot back firmly towards your body can also bring relief when a cramp is happening. This may need to be done by your partner if you can't reach! Massaging the affected area is also relieving.
Image 2-32 shows the partner bending the woman's foot back to relieve a leg cramp.
A warm bath before bed and keeping the legs warm has been known to work.
Natural therapies
The following are some natural therapies that some women have found effective. Check with your caregiver.
Salts and minerals. Many women find that Magnesium phosphate tablets or 'cell salts' will help improve their magnesium, potassium and sodium deficiencies. Check with your caregiver and health food store. A guide now given by research findings is for a woman to take magnesium lactate or citrate, 5mmol in the morning and 10mmol in the evening. (Check with your caregiver.)
Massage. Treat yourself to a full body massage at least once a month to help blood circulate through your leg muscles.
Aromatherapy. Some aromatherapists will advise a foot bath, in warm to hot water with essential oils. Check with your aromatherapist for the appropriate oil and instructions for their use.
Homoeopathy. Homoeopathic treatments may include Magnesia Phosphorica. See your homeopath for a remedy.
Herbal.Herbalists may recommend