Hand cramps

[carlton23]

How can I stop this annoying problem which occurs every night? I have to wear a pair of tight woolen gloves all night to keep my hands warm, which helps, but I pull them off whilst asleep and wake up with cramps again. I also rub in Deep Heat into my hands and take a Quinine tablet last thing and two Paracetamol. Any further help welcome.

[sunny-dave]

Hello Carlton

I have no idea whether it would interact with your other medications, but when I was getting leg cramps and joint problems a while ago my GP gave me some "Arcoxia" (etoricoxib) anti-inflammatory tablets.

They pretty much solved my problems - I just use them very occasionally now if I get any signs of a recurrence.

Dave

[carlton23]

Thanks Dave, I`ll see my GP asap and see what he says.

[Clanad]

I know it sounds simple, but try drinking at least 8 ounces of water before going to bed... more if you comfortably can...

[humbersloop]

hello carlton,

as well as dehydration, reduced levels of potassium and calcium also contribute to cramps, so you could try upping your intake of yoghurt, milk, potatos and sesame seeds if you can.

[granny grump]

Hi carllton I get this in my left hand - right hand is ok. It feels although a nerve or a muscle is trapped. My remedy is to hang my left arm over the side of the bed so nothing is bent and it works. I put a slim pillow on the edge for comfort

[rsvp]

was told that a milky drink before going to sleep helped aleviate cramping - must be the calcium -

[boxtops]

Tonic water's good for cramps too, because of the quinine.

[jno]

you can get Crampex tablets over the counter at the chemist. They've dealt with the cramp in my legs.

Clanad's suggestion may work... but it would have me getting up and heading for the bathroom once an hour during the night, which might be a cure that's worse than the illness.

[carlton23]

Many thanks folks, something to consider.
Clanad, I was awake all last night with a blocked catheter, so there`s no chance of me drinking a lot of water or anything.
RSVP I have horlicks every night..

[Anngel123]

You might also try a product call Crampex. I found that helped when I had foot cramps.

[Anngel123]

Sorry, I see someone already suggested Crampex...great minds LOL

[carlton23]

I mentioned your ideas to my GP but he said they would interfere with my present treatments and injections, so it looks like I`ve just got to grin a bare it.