Pickle juice is basically salt water- Very, very, salty. I'm on a low sodium heart diet, and my sodium level is normal. I can't have pickles at all. Ever.

I assume "cell salts" is also some form of electrolytes. My electrolytes have always been normal, and I'm not supposed to mess with electrolytes because they can, in turn, react with my prescription meds. I do take a multivitamin/mineral supplement daily, as well as Ca, and now Mg...

Also, I have my blood checked every six months and have never shown a deficiency. Last check was about 2 weeks ago. And too-high electrolyte counts can be as bad, if not worse, than too low. I don't think it's wise to take many of those OTC things without prior testing and regular follow-up. Food supplements aren't tested by the FDA, have few pharmaceutical standards...

I'm hopeful that as my tissues heal from using my orthotic, the problem will get better.

Karen

I had mild cramps in that right calf again last night, I just massaged it and that helped. I must also be careful about taking anything that will interact with my meds, which are already causing me to retain fluid, especially if I have too much salt. I can just imagine what 2 ounces of pickle juice would do.

mcash70 said:I had mild cramps in that right calf again last night, I just massaged it and that helped. I must also be careful about taking anything that will interact with my meds, which are already causing me to retain fluid, especially if I have too much salt. I can just imagine what 2 ounces of pickle juice would do.

Pickle juice also contains vinegar, along with water and salt. I know it will increase sodium levels, but was not aware you were having other problems.

Karen ...

I was just curious to know if you knew what might be causing the leg cramps as I have been having lighter leg cramps in the last few months. The only change in my lifestyle is that I am exercising more. Oh, and now I am out in the garden more.

Lyn, I think it started as a result of my foot problems and abnormal gait, and has just continued to build. However, if you do a little googling, you'll find that nocturnal leg cramps are very common as we age. According to this paper, it occurs in 50% of people over age 50

http://www.uptodate.com/conten...

Karen

I rode my stationary bicycle today.

I went to the gym, exercised for an hour. I didn't work too hard because of my still sore leg, but at least I did something.

Karen

Three of us showed up to walk this morning but it was pouring rain and we decided not to. We might get in a walk later today, but it's still not very nice out and the rain is supposed to turn to snow.

ViolaAnn said:Three of us showed up to walk this morning but it was pouring rain and we decided not to. We might get in a walk later today, but it's still not very nice out and the rain is supposed to turn to snow.

Yikes. I hate walking in the rain or snow.

I hope to get back to exercising tomorrow or maybe gardening if it's not too cold, I have to get the crabapples pruned. My back, leg and foot were really sore yesterday and today, had that calf cramp again last night.

Margaret, I feel your pain!

Karen

mcash70 said:I hope to get back to exercising tomorrow or maybe gardening if it's not too cold, I have to get the crabapples pruned. My back, leg and foot were really sore yesterday and today, had that calf cramp again last night.

kqcrna said:Lyn, I think it started as a result of my foot problems and abnormal gait, and has just continued to build. However, if you do a little googling, you'll find that nocturnal leg cramps are very common as we age. According to this paper, it occurs in 50% of people over age 50

http://www.uptodate.com/conten...

Karen

Thanks, Karen.

I think I just need to upgrade my gardening shoes. Spring came early this year and last year's shoes are pretty shot.

It makes sense that your cramps might be due to your foot problems and your getting the orthopedic shoes.
I know when I stopped wearing high heels, I had cramps in my legs and feet for a whole year.

I think I forgot to mention that I rode my stationary bicycle yesterday.

Good for you, Kelli!

I went to the gym and exercised for an hour.My leg is still a little tight but much better than it has been. If it holds up OK, I'm going to do a little yard work this afternoon. It's a beautiful day today but tomorrow's supposed to be wet and stormy.

Karen

Walked for 3 miles with my friends and my dog and their dogs. Walked yesterday and most days. Walk as much as I can.

There were 10 of us who walked the 4.69 km route that I posted above. It was a quasi-holiday, Easter Monday and a miserable excuse for a holiday with heavy, cold rain most of the day. So we didn't end up walking Monday. It was a good walk with a good hill in the route.

My exercise was pruning the 3 crabapple trees, that was a lot of up and down the ladder, reaching, up in the tree, so glad they are done. Also pruned 2 small shrubs. If I can move tomorrow I plan another day of gardening. The weather is great right now, finally feels like spring, saw a couple of swallows check out the nest boxes.

mcash70 said:My exercise was pruning the 3 crabapple trees, that was a lot of up and down the ladder, reaching, up in the tree, so glad they are done. Also pruned 2 small shrubs. If I can move tomorrow I plan another day of gardening. The weather is great right now, finally feels like spring, saw a couple of swallows check out the nest boxes.

Oh oh. Margaret is up in the trees again and climbing ladders!!

My balance is terrible, I stay out of ladders and trees.