Few of us have never had a calf cramp - that awful pain that can wake you up from a sound sleep. What can you do to relieve it?

• Flex your foot, pointing your toes toward your knee. If that hurts too much, grab your toes and pull them toward your knee.
• At the same time, massage your calf gently.
• If it's not too painful, walk around, putting full weight on your heels.
• If the cramp comes during a workout or athletic event, drink water or a sports drink.
• Ice packs or heat can help relax the muscles - use whichever works best for you.

Quinine is the classic drug for relieving leg cramps, but the over-the-counter remedies were taken off the market several years ago because of serious, even fatal, side effects. Drinking a glass of tonic water may help, but there's no way of knowing how much quinine you're getting that way, since the manufacturers don't have to list the amounts on the label. But if you think it helps, keep it up.

Related information: Fitness Channel | Foot Care

Sources:

• Foundations of Wellness, UC Berkeley Wellness Letter. Staying a step ahead of those pesky leg cramps.
• UC Berkeley School of Public Health. Fitness - don't let them cramp your game. UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, January 2002, page 6.