not to derail Mike's post, but I get cramps in my hands, specifically my fingers when sharpening a blade or a repetitive motion that requires finger strength. I am not thinking it is arthritis, but... Has anyone else experienced that? solutions?
I share your pain, but don't have much of a solution. Too many years using a pneumatic disc-orbital sander while working aircraft coatings. I have found that wearing gloves helps some. Leather ones for when I have to grip but then slide (using an axe, hatchet, shovel, rake,etc), and the latex "grip" gloves when I just need friction. It helps reduce the amount of pressure I have to exert with my hands. Nitril gloves help some for fine items like chisel sharpeining, etc, but they do make my hands sweat. I have re-handled my most often used hammers so give me a larger diameter to grip, so don't have to use gloves when using them most of the time. Basically, anything that increases the diameter/thickness of what I have to grip, or that decreases the pressure I have to exert to provide the friction I need.
As for blade sharpening, sometimes it just helps to reduce the pressure and make more strokes.
When the cramps hit, soaking them in warm water (yes, men Can do dishes, LOL) helps them to relax.
I also have to watch out for severe leg cramps (thigh muscles) if I get too dehydrated. When they hit (usually an hour or so after I relax, which may be an hour after I go to sleep) the only thing I have found to get them to quit is a tablespoon of salt, followed by enough water to keep it from coming back up. That will calm them down in about 10 minutes. Otherwise its 45 minutes to an hour being too crippled to even walk. (Have not tried mustard. Thanks, Wayne) At that point, calcium pills, fortified water, etc is of no use. However, if I stay hydrated, and drink an additional bottle of Propel or Smart water every couple hours or as soon as I am done working, it usually prevents them from occurring. Home made Switchel (North) or Haymakers' Punch (South and Midwest) also works but takes the time to make it up. Not sure of it replaces the electrolytes or just make you more thirsty so you drink more water. They are both a combination of water, vinegar, ginger, and either maple syrup (Switchel) or molasses (Haymakers' Punch). Some recipes use honey as the sweetener.
For me, just replacing the electrolytes doesn't help cramps in the hands, biceps, etc from overuse.