Ok, newbie here again. Seems every issue in my life is a newbie for me of late. You wouldn't think there would be that many new things left as I enter my seventh decade but there is.

Both feet and legs up to calves involved. I've had a symp nerve block, party time of about 48 hours. 3 weeks ago I had two depo medrol inj in my sacroiliac and how sweet it is with no full time fire underneath my skin and no constant lightening bolts in my brain.

I can actually take care of myself now, well, inside the house anyway. And I have gone out a few times but the cold takes it's toll and/or the pressure of having to put socks and shoes or boots on. I've gone from a size 5 1/2 to 8 boot.

Finally, I'll get to the issue. What do you all do for cramping in toes and arches and and and? I take Zanaflex, but I wake up and seem to be in the pre cramp state quite a bit if I even think of pointing my toe or walking too much. Ok, right off the bat I'm gonna tell you I hate water. Showers are like electric storms to my feet and soaking is like attack of the alien needles. Ok that's whining.

I'm hoping there is some super secret remedy that is only known to those super special people here on the RSD thread.


blessings of quiet thoughts to all
gramE

GramE,
We're all looking for that ultra secret solution....
There is none,
Only management.

I've had to marry this monster a long time ago, and, what I find is 'Management'.

First.

Your Doctor.
Who should be able to follow you, direct you, and prescribe for you. If you have faith in him/her, then good! If not, keep a lookout.

Second.
Excercise, Move as much as you can, I'm not suggesting a walk to the bar, but to the deli perhaps?
Stretch. Tai Chi, is one of the best forms of stretching for RSD.

Third,
Be sure that you're head is correct. That is, see a PM psychiatrist. I don't believe in these PM docs!
A good PM doctor, is a psychiatrist, who specializes in PAIN Management!
And, will work, hand in hand with your Neurologist, because, RSD after all, is a neurologic disorder!
If your neurologist isn't so 'bright' in RSD, find another who is, and, I don't mean to be rude. Ask you Neruo, to refer you, first.... Never be hostile to a caregiver!


So, that's the 'Circle' of RSD care.

Alright, every one of us hates showers! (You're NOT whining!)

I start with a temperate bath. (I have a hand held shower ) and use that after I've scrubbed off in the bath tub. (Also, to wash the bath and shower down. and, rinse myself) I usually use a luke warm bath, then, a cooler shower as I can stand, You see, you must moderate! From the air, to a bath, to the shower.
(I'm a master plumber by trade, and was dubbed Colonel Comfort).

So, be that as it may, you may also want to invest in a good quality barometer / humidity / temperature gauge.

The thermometer is obvious. Try to keep it on an even temp.(Do NOT futz around with the temp!)
Then, dress accordingly.
A sweater on and off is fine.

The Barometer, can forewarn of coming trends, but, don't get caught up in it.

The humidity, is IMPORTANT!
This, most of us call the changing seasons.
But, it's not that so much.
As we heat our environs, we lower our "RELATIVE" Humidity.
Relative to the Temperature!

So, when your heat is running, you will naturally reduce your 'Relative Humidity'.
Get a humidifier, depending on the size of your home/apt....
For instance,
Scorched Air heat, (as us Pro's call it) is RUDE. It BURNS the air, and takes ALL humidity out.
Then, you must have either a whole house humidifier, or a console humidifier. (Either, a wise choice). But remember, they both need maintenance!

If you have Hydronic Heat, (the best) radiators, baseboard hot water, then you still might need some humidity. Close your tub drain, be sure no exhaust fans are running, and turn the shower head on 'fine / mist'.
Run the hot water for a few minutes, let a few inches of hot water into the tub.
You'll be surprised, by how humidity will calm your skin!

Temporarily, I'm in a two room apt.
So, I can start at 40% humidity, which is nasty low. Then run the shower as I described, and it will hit over 60%.
What a difference!

Know why?

Because of evaporation and the way our skin naturally works.
If there is enough 'Water in the Air', our pores won't open.
If it's 'Dry', our pores open, thinking, they need to cool us down. This is wrong.
(It works for normal folk, not us).
So, keep your humidity around 50-55%.(to the lower side in the summer).
Relative to temperature, which a good gauge reads.

It's SOooooo worth it!

I don't need a gauge. I've been raised with this knowledge.
But, most folks don't understand. If you have any questions, please ask me? OK?!

Good!

I wish you good comfort!


Pete

ASB

That humidity thing could be an issue that I wasn't connecting. This will be my first winter/cold season and my Dr warned me it would be difficult.

And the temp thing is from within. I have a normally low body temp, and I'm having my thyroid rechecked now.

I understand about the 'head' stuff too. I had to have an eeg this week because of some issues no one ever asked me about that I'm learning by reading on here are related to my RSD.

My mission of late has been to reduce my stress level. I was a 24/7 over-commited non-stop until I dropped kinda person. She wouldn't recognize me. I move to the beat of a different drummer now. I'm still adjusting to how much I can do. Many on here suffer far more than I do, and that helps me to take courage and do what I can.

thanks for your secrets of experience
blessings,
gramE

I'm learning that the comfort I used to find in a hot shower before bed is a thing of the past. But I was surprised by the 'activity' stirred up by placing my feet in a pan of water.

Well I was going to suggest epsom salt, soak it on a wash cloth and maybe you can put that on your pain. I would suggest a soak, but maybe just a small cloth soaked in the epsom salt may help. Pete has some great ideas. But I know that when my girl is in that much pain...Epsom salt soaks are the best for her.

Sorry you are in so much pain. My prayers are with you.
Sandy

Yes, I do believe the soaks help, I just wasn't prepared for the response from my feet and legs and the finite control of the water temp that was necessary.

I'm trying to make lemonade, but some days I get more lemons than others.

It is nice to be able to come to a place where everyone knows exactly what you are saying. Praise the Lord.

I can't imagine watching one of my own struggle with this. How painful it must be for you.

warm hearts to all,
gramE

My daughter was diagnosed very young, at 14...She is now 17. Have you looked into Ketamine Infusions. I am so sorry that you are suffering I know it must be horrible to live alone with this. Do you have anyone to help you?