Natural ideas, options and diet recommendations

Prevention

• Calcium and magnesium supplements
• B & E Vitamins for good circulation.
• Regular exercise routine which involves flexing your calf muscles daily and foot circles.
• Put your feet up regularly in the last weeks of pregnancy.
• Eat less meat, less dairy products and no soft drinks.
• Eat plenty of protein, fish, nuts, and other legumes
• Avoid heavy lifting, pointing toes and quick movements.

Immediate response which is very effective

• Stand on a cold surface.
• Leg Cramps - Extend or straighten out muscles that are cramping - this usually involves sitting on the bed or the floor with the leg straight and toes flexed back towards the body.
• Foot Cramps - Roll the foot over a bottle (a wine bottle in a suitable diameter). If your feet cramp during the night, keep the bottle under your bed for easy access.
• All Cramps - Apply warm moist heat (eg hot wet flannel). Once cramping has subsided, massage to promote circulation.

Natural home solutions to prevent leg cramps and twitchy legs.

• Increase intake of calcium-rich foods. Nettles teas are particularly helpful as well as eating lots of dark green vegetables.
• Ensure a good level of calcium absorption by exercising regularly.
• Excessive stress can impair calcium absorption, as can a high acid diet.
• Raspberry leaf infusion contains calcium in its most absorb-able form.
• Avoid coffee, tea, chocolate, rhubarb, silverbeet, brewers yeast, all of which interfere with the absorption of calcium

Biochemical

• Take Mag Phos. (buy this from a pharmacy)

Homoeopathic Remedies

• Chamomilla
  • Severe cramps in calves
  • Much pain and indignation
• Colocynth
  • Intermittent cramps in abdomen, calves, hands
  • Restlessness
• Rhus Tox
  • Must walk with cramps in legs every night
• Sulphur
  • Cramps in legs with hot flushed and faint spells
• Verat Alb
  • Cramps in extremities with cold sweat
  • Weak, retching with sweat
• Vibernum
  • Cramp in legs and feet after walking and at night