HOME HEALTH GUIDE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 23, 10 November 1944, Page 2

HOME HEALTH GUIDE

CRAMPS IN THE LEG (By the Department of Health). Nocturnal cramps in the. legs are a source of worry to old folk, to prospective mothers in the later stages of prcgnancy, and occasionall}* to young people. A muscle goes into a spasm, and acute discomfort ensues, sufficient to cause waking from a sound sleep. To discover the season for them means a thorough medical examination. In the body cells respiration goes on all the time—oxygen goes into them and out of them into the blood stream comes waste material ? like lactic acid. This process can be affected by poor circulation in any area s and the muscle cells go into spasm if they don't get enough oxygen. Pain is felt if they collect 100 much lactic acid. Disease may be responsible. The trouble may be due to impaired circulation from arterio-sclerosis high blood pressure, or mascular disease (disease of the blood vessels), conditions which are. more likely to appear in middle age. Diabetes may be the cause, or perhaps some not so serious interference with the blood sugar leVel. And improper calcium levels may be to blame, the result of insufficient calciumrich foods. A hot bottle usually fails to relieve. cramps. It only increases the oxygen nee.d& of the muscle. Coolness is better. If cramps are persistent however it is really waste of time trying any treatment until the circulation has bee.n tested. You can try drinking more milk to increase your blood calcium level, or if you can't take ni/lk, take calcium by the mouth. If this has no effect then see your doctor.