Calf cramp

I was hit by a nasty calf cramp this morning. Turned my half-sleepiness into fully awakened mode. Maybe I was stretching myself a wee bit too much, but suddenly my left leg seized up in a bolt of pain. It caught me in the calf and left me frozen in pain on the bed. The sharp pain didn't subside for quite a while and the muscle stayed sore despite all my efforts to reduce the pain. Two hours later, I can still feel a dull, lingering ache in the same spot.

Some of my efforts to ease the discomfort included flexing my foot upward so that my toes pointed back toward me. That helped loosen the tightness a bit. Definitely, I also massaged the sore area with my fingers, working slowly to ease the knot that had formed. It wasn’t instant relief at all.

Then came the heat application. At first, I wanted to apply one of those menthol "deep heat" cream rubs on the cramp area but then my wife suggested that I try applying an oily ointment which someone gave us in Bangkok recently. I tried that, applying a few drops on the calf and then rubbing them in. For a short while, nothing registered but then gradually a tingling sensation passed over the calf. In spite of me having taken a warm bath soon after, I can still feel the warmth effects of the ointment. The dull ache has gotten better.

I suppose that I shall also have to make it a point to drink more water than usual. Cramps can sometimes be linked to dehydration, or low levels of minerals like magnesium or potassium. Maybe I should search for some nuts too. Cashew nuts, maybe? I have some in the house.

Thinking back, it’s probably time I did a bit more to prevent these cramps from happening again—especially as I’m not getting any younger. Simple calf stretches before going to bed or first thing in the morning might help. Nothing complicated, just a few minutes of gently loosening the muscles before lying down or jumping into the day. Staying hydrated is important too, especially in our hot climate. I should also probably watch what I eat—make sure I’m getting enough magnesium and potassium. I’ve read that leafy greens, bananas, avocados and even yoghurt can help.

And of course, I’ll have to remind myself not to stretch too forcefully when waking up. That half-conscious stretch we all do in bed. I might need to be a bit more mindful of that from now on.