Hi,

I've suffered from hand cramps for years with varying degrees,
sometimes the left hand, sometimes the right. (Also had foot cramps at
times). All these during gigs, though not all at once, thankfully! ;)
One reason can also be dehydration or a salt deficiency. (I tried
'Crampex' tablets ages ago but they didn't seem to do anything).

That said, a few years ago, while on the phone with a friend, I
suddenly had cramp and they suggested putting a small amount of salt
in the palm of my hand then dabbing it with my tongue. This apparently
enters it into the system very quickly. I hobbled to my kitchen
cupboard and tried it. Within a minute or two the cramp had subsided.

I now make sure to have with me a few of those little salt packets you
can get from McDonalds, KFC, etc.
NOTE: This may not work for everyone.
I'm not saying to pour large packs of salt into you! If the small
amount in the KFC packs don't work, I might try a little more from a
second pack (if it's particularly bad), but I haven't wanted/needed
more than that.

Another thing - I always used to drink Coke at gigs. I made a decision
a while back to kick the 'Coke' habit and go for clear drinks such as
7-Up, Sprite, though the best for me now is simply soda water and
lime. Mmmmm - refreshing! :)

One more tip - my Ma swears by Tonic Water (with lemon) as it contains
Quinine. Also seems to help.

Hope some or all the above helps.

Steve.

--- In bassplace@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Page" <rickpage@...> wrote:
>
> I agree with you Robert. That's nothing to play with . Sometimes we
need to slow down and just play and feel the music. I'm 45 and had two
major strokes and still playing but I don't do all that flashy stuff.
>
> "Don't allow anyone to discourage or detour you on this destiny
journey; they don't know the blueprint, so they can't tell you the
outcome."
>
>
> >>> Robert Smith <r_a_smith3530@...> 1/17/2008 7:09 AM >>>
>
> Hand cramps could indicate the onset of some form of arthritis or
possibly repetitive motion injury and should probably not be taken
lightly. As such, I would recommend that you seek advice on this from
a medical professional rather than this community of bass players.
>
> I'm also in my 50's, but well before that, I underwent CTR (Carpal
Tunnel Release) on both hands, and I'm here to tell you that it's
serious stuff.
>
> Rob Smith
> Dona Nobis Pacem
>
>
> Kenny Love <kenlove@... ( mailto:kenlove%40valornet.com )> wrote:
> Hand Cramps
>
> I would greatly appreciate any advice, tips or suggestions for easing
> (or, even eliminating) hand cramps and, particularly, in my left hand.
> I just turned 50, and am wondering if that has an effect. :-) Any
> lotions or heat/cold therapy ideas are welcomed.
>
> Thanks,
>
> kl
>
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>
>
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