This is a practical post. Even world dominatrices get foot cramps.
I don’t know if it’s the pregnancy or something else, like dehydration or a potassium deficiency as suggested here, but it sucks and it hurts and it needs to be stopped.
The fastest way I’ve found to alleviate the pain is to stand on an icepack. (Don’t put all your weight on it, or you might break it.) I keep my sock on because otherwise it’s too cold for comfort. Standing with my foot flat against the floor also helps, bonus if it’s cold tile.
I like to stand on our big red apple-shaped icepack, because in addition to helping my foot, it cheers me up. You can’t be depressed when you’re standing on a big red apple, even if you’re in serious pain.
Some sites suggest pulling your toes back toward your knees. Rubbing it or flexing it makes it worse for me, but you might be a fan of intense, increased pain, so I thought I’d mention it.
For a more lasting solution, a lot of online sources suggest eating bananas. (Also here.) I’ve been craving them lately, so it’s possible this is a potassium-related pregnancy thing.
Other people say you should use quinine or arnica. I had a massage teacher who swore by arnica as a panacea for muscle pain, but I haven’t personally used it except for during routine massages (back when I did that), not for any specific pain relief.
I’m not a doctor, so if your symptoms persist, please call one. This post is more for the people who Google at 3am because their loved ones are groaning in pain and they need a quick fix.
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4 comments ↓
Standing on an icepack is a great idea! I used to get foot and leg cramps a lot when I did pilates. But that's not really like being pregnant. I second the potassium thing. Other than that, though, I'm useless! Except I like your apple icepack.
I will try the potassium, and see if it helps. Pilates always sounded neat, especially after someone told me she got to lie on her back, rock back and forth, and clap like a seal. Although, now that I think about it, it's possible that she just THOUGHT she was a Pilates class and was really being recorded for the amusement of millions on Youtube.
[...] my February post, How to Fix Foot Cramps, I talked about how eating potassium and standing on cold surfaces were suggested cures for foot [...]
I’m babysitting right now and one of the kids just woke up howling in pain and holding his foot. This is the second time this has happened so I’ve determined them foot cramps. We tried this and he’s happily back in bed, pain free :) not 3am but still lookin for a quick fix :) thanks!
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