Natural Cures for Leg Cramps

The effects of leg cramps vary for every individual. The pain associated with it can be minor with just some tenderness on the calf muscle or it can be agonizing that an individual can hardly stand. Leg cramps are caused by the involuntary muscular contraction in the legs. It can affect just a single muscle or it can involve a group of muscles. Though it is often experienced by elderly people, the incidence of leg cramps in younger people is on the rise. It usually bothers the calf muscle, hamstring, and quadriceps and lasts for less than a minute to several minutes.

Signs and symptoms of Leg Cramps

Leg cramps manifest in different ways. An individual suffering from leg cramps might feel some tenderness and sore spots in some areas in the legs. Some might encounter excruciating pain while some would not be able to move the cramped leg. It is very hard to establish why leg cramps occur. There are contributing factors though which might trigger the onset of leg cramps. Muscle fatigue due to over-exertion can cause leg cramps as well as over-exercise or engaging in a physical activity or exercise. Dehydration or low intake of fluids, electrolyte, hormonal, or fluid imbalances can also instigate the cramping sensation in the legs.

Excess weight also brings about leg cramps particularly when one is on his feet for a long period. There are also some medicine especially diuretics can have leg cramps as side effects. Certain kinds of nerve and muscular diseases and abnormalities of the nerves are causative factors in leg cramps. Weakened blood flow in certain parts of the legs may also trigger cramping.

Home remedies for leg cramps

Some points may be considered to excellent home remedies for leg cramps . First, one can employ massage in order to ease leg cramps. The individual should stretch the affected muscles and then massage it gently in its natural direction. This procedure will loosen up the tensed muscles and will relieve the pain. A warm bath or shower is also helpful in alleviating the discomfort brought about by leg cramps.

One can also apply cold packs on the cramped muscles which is a very effective home remedy for leg cramps to relieve the pain. If the affected area is the calf muscles, stretching and massaging the leg while alternately pointing the toes away from the body and towards the head will give relief to the cramped muscles. It is further suggested to place a warm towel or heating pad on the affected area to lessen the pain.

Another natural remedies for leg cramps are by having a diet rich in potassium and calcium. Increasing the intake of foods rich in potassium and calcium will lessen the incidence of leg cramps. The increase of fluid intake especially water will also go a long way in preventing leg cramps by keeping the person hydrated all day long. A well-hydrated body is important to prevent leg cramps. This is most vital for people who work out. Drinking water or other fluids before, during and after exercising will keep the body hydrated.

Exercise for leg cramps

Warm-ups and stretching before the start of a workout or physical fitness program is imperative in the prevention of leg cramps. The physical fitness program should gradually ease the individual into a more difficult repertoire to avoid abrupt demands on the muscles, which might cause leg cramps. One can also place a rolled up bed sheet or blanket at the feet to avert the toes and feet from pointing downward while sleeping. One can also ride a stationary bicycle for a short time before bedtime to loosen up the muscles.

Another tested and proven way of easing leg cramps is by using the acupressure technique. One can grab the upper lip of the thumb and index finger and apply pressure for approximately thirty seconds. A sports injury management specialist who works with Olympics aspirants named Patrice Morency based in Portland , Oregon says that it is effective. A direct pressure can also be applied with the use of the fingers on the affected area for about ten to fifteen seconds before releasing it and reapplying the pressure. This procedure can be repeated several times until the tension is eased. This is an effective leg cramps treatment.

Another way of doing it is contracting the muscle opposing the cramped muscles. This procedure will compel the affected muscle to loosen. If necessary, have someone assist the patient or the afflicted person. Stretching the muscles after the leg cramps has been relieved is also important according to Andy Clary, head trainer, University of Miami Football Team . To relax the hamstring, one should sit down on the floor and extend the leg, get hold of the toes and slowly pull it towards the knee. Craig Hersh, M.D., sports injuries specialist, Sports Medicine Center , said that there is simply the need to elongate the muscle to ease leg cramps. This is a good leg cramps cure.