How to Relieve a Cramp without Getting out of Bed

Ever wake up at night with a painful cramp in your arch or even your calf? It seems so many people find it necessary to get out of bed to relieve this. Maybe you do, but try this trick first, and stay cozy!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cramp
• The knowledge that this cramp is just a contracting muscle

1. You're awakened in the middle of the night with a painful cramp in your arch or calf. Ouch!
2. For your arch, gently grab the big toe of the affected foot and slowly bend it upwards toward your shin. For your calf, lift up your knee to your chest, fold your hands together and put them under the end of your foot. Now gently pull back; this will stretch out your calf muscle right there in bed.
3. Hold it stretched a minute and release. It should be gone now.
4. Sometimes after a big yawn you can get a very painful cramp under your jaw. Anyone who has experienced this knows just how painful this is. If this happens, bite your teeth together and slowly raise your head up. Hold this position a minute or even less, and release. Sweet relief!

Tips & Warnings

• Most cramps are just a contracting muscle. If you can find a way to gently stretch it back, you will have relief. Anything persistent should be brought to the attention of a doctor.
• Be gentle; you don't want to tear anything.