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HELP: Forearm Cramp!!

#21
Watchootognbout said:
Could also be a potassium deficiency.
At least in my case that was the problem.
Click to expand...
According to gym bro science, if the cramping happens during workout, then it's likely K deficiency. If the cramping happens outside of a workout, it is likely Mg deficiency.
My goto process is: hydrate, take electrolyte supplement, rest, hot/cold, gentle stretch. If your cramp doesn’t respond favorably -> doctor.
I found also that some workout drinks that aid in post exercise recovery can relieve cramping.
Lastly, you may need to avoid coffein.
 
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#22
As mentioned about mineral supplements but - today - take a long hot epsom salt bath with your arms and shoulders submerged. Be careful standing up afterwards, then massage the forearms. Problems can be referred, that is have an origin other than where they manifest. If you physically help the whole body to relax then you are allowing the arm plus any other culprits relax too.

Tomorrow - soak your forearms in warm water before the gig to help relax and keep them warm and cover to remain supple/relaxed. Make sure to have a long slow gentle warm up right before the gig, and do slow gentle exercises after the gig
 
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#24
PennyroyalWe said:
Today both sides of my left forearm decided to cramp & knot up, and I can barely move my hand. Extending my fingers (moving them back) is particularly painful.

I have a gig tomorrow night! How do I fix this?!
Click to expand...

Doctor time!! Don’t fart around, go get medical attention now. If I was a betting man I say your are probably be ok for the gig by tomorrow night, but you no doubt have something going on that needs addressed.

Best wishes.
 
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#26
#29
Pickle Juice! They say it works. I just like the taste.
One of my X-girlfriends always told me I needed a banana, whenever I got a cramp. But, yes, to all the mentions of prevention above.
PickleJuice2.5oz..jpg
 
#30
Kubicki Fan said:
According to gym bro science, if the cramping happens during workout, then it's likely K deficiency. If the cramping happens outside of a workout, it is likely Mg deficiency.
My goto process is: hydrate, take electrolyte supplement, rest, hot/cold, gentle stretch. If your cramp doesn’t respond favorably -> doctor.
I found also that some workout drinks that aid in post exercise recovery can relieve cramping.
Lastly, you may need to avoid coffein.
Click to expand...
Well,mines happen at work(not a workout) which usually involves some lifting of moderately weighty steel parts.
I tried a magnesium supplement at first.
Did nothing.
Then potassium.
Bingo!

Not giving up caffeine.
 
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#33
Chris Fitzgerald said:
I’ve had this issue on a few intense gigs in the past playing double bass (my main axe). The fingers of my left hand would lock down due to cramping in the forearm. It scared the bejeesus out of me.

In the end, the answer turned out to be the need for better hydration and electrolytes. Hope you find your answer soon!
Click to expand...

I've had some issues lately with muscle cramping in my leg while waiting for a knee replacement as well as doing a long, tough gig on upright Bass. I've also found electrolyte's to be a major help. Also, practice time with correct hand and body position, not holding the neck in a death grip can be of great value as well. jmho
 
#34
I find that the best thing for hand cramps (and sore hands) is self-administered massage of the forearms, deep into the fibers. Once you find the sore spot, hit that especially.
 
#35
Try this: Theraworx Foam for muscle cramps. I am not kidding, and yes, I am a doctor (albeit of animals).
I was skeptical, but my husband made me buckle down and try it.

I use it for those leg cramps that cause one to leap from the bed at night. Works for those. Last weekend the night before a gig, I was putting my bass in the bag, and got a hand cramp. It went away, but I thought well I will just duck my Theraworx into the bag, just in case. Next day, about two hours in, my left hand cramped up within a second or two, becoming useless. I used the foam, sat out the next tune, and went on for another 20 min till my right hand cramped up. I used the foam on that hand, and was good to go.

Really really amazing. It delivers Mg percutaneously in a big big hurry, so results are almost instantaneous. I will be adding Mg to my diet though to ward this off. The stuff works.
 
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#37
You got some good answers above. You can also buy an elastic compression sleeve that will help keep it from continuing to happen. Or an ace bandage will work. Be sure to wrap it around your arm on a slant so it doesn't cut off circulation.
 
#40
All good advice. Thanks all! Unfortunately I’m stuck at work all day, so I haven’t gotten any kind of electrolyte supplement, but I’ve been doing lots of stretching, kneading, massaging, and applying heat to it. It seems to be improving very slightly.

I think the most important thing may be to warm up before the gig, and play as sparsely as I can get away with. No need to add fillers, just need to get through the 2 hours alive.

It was the darndest thing. I hadn’t been playing excessively, or death gripping, before hand. The only thing that comes to mind is there was an uncomfortable twinge while I was typing at work two days ago. Maybe that was the snowball that turned into an avalanche.
 

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