A cramp is an involuntary, muscle contraction that can cause pain and discomfort. Here, we provide some remedies for curing leg cramps and self-care measures for preventing them.
A cramp is a sudden contraction in a muscle, that is accompanied by a sensation of pain or discomfort. Such a contraction could also affect leg muscles. Though it is quite normal for the leg muscles to contract during movements, the muscles may sometimes tighten due to sudden and involuntary movements.
Such forceful contraction of the leg muscles could cause a sharp pain in the leg. Cramps could affect the following leg muscles:
Calf muscle
Hamstrings
Quadriceps
Sometimes, involuntary muscle contractions can occur while sleeping. The remedies for this involve performing stretching exercises, and undergoing treatment for the underlying condition that is leading to such muscle contractions.
A Few Tips
Here are a few basic tips to get some relief from the pain caused due to such muscle contractions.
✔ Firstly, try not to move the leg. ✔ Gently massage the area where the pain has risen. This will surely provide quick relief. ✔ If you are not in the condition to massage it yourself, ask someone to do it for you. ✔ Massage it smoothly in a circular motion.
✔ You can also use a massage oil that has pain-relieving properties. ✔ Taking a hot shower can also provide relief from the pain. ✔ Applying a hot water bottle can help soothe the pain, as the heat relaxes the muscles. ✔ Applying ice on the affected area is another good remedy.
Prevention
Stretch Regularly
Stretching can help prevent involuntary muscle contractions. The aim of these exercises is to stretch various muscles of the body, and make them flexible. When the muscles are stretched, the contraction in them reduces. So, the risk of sudden forceful cramps is considerably reduced.
When you begin stretching, do not rush to difficult exercises. Start with the simple ones, and perform them slowly and steadily. Avoid vigorous movements. You can take help from gym trainers, physical therapists, or even yoga instructors.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Drinking plenty of water is a good way to replenish the body with fluids. Dehydration is a very common cause of this condition. Keeping the body hydrated helps prevent and treat leg cramps. Make it a habit to drink 2 to 3 liters of water everyday.
Eat Healthy
Foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and most importantly potassium, are quite helpful for curing or preventing cramps. Include foods like tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, and citrus fruits in your diet.
If the aforementioned tips do not work and the symptoms persist for a long time, it would be better to consult a doctor. Constant and sudden leg cramps can sometimes be an indication of severe medical conditions like diabetes, anemia, kidney diseases, hypocalcemia, or hypercalcemia.
Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.