This article will tell you the ways to relieve leg cramps fast and naturally. Do you often wake up in the middle of the night with an unexpected, very stern cramp in the calf? If, yes then you are prone to leg cramps. It is also known as a “Charley horse,” this pain can be so unbearable that you may even cry out in pain and wake up other person sleeping next to you. Though the cramp may last only a few seconds to a minute, however, it has enough intensity to wake you up in the pain at night. The next day, you wake up with a lasting pain that influences the rest of your day, as well.
It’s a common disorder, particularly for pregnant women, sports people and the elderly. While leg spasms can be treated, you can alleviate an acute leg cramp with quick massage and movement. This article will tell you how to relieve leg cramps fast and naturally at home. You can also read this related article How to Get Rid of Charley Horse? and How to Deal with Foot Cramp? on our website.
Causes of Leg cramps
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Muscle fatigue
- Dehydration
- Problems with the nerves
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Venous insufficiency
- Hemodialysis
- Medication side effects
- Spinal stenosis in the lower back
Contents
Best Ways to Relieve Leg Cramps:
1.) Eat Potassium-Rich Food to Relieve Leg Cramps
Deficiency of potassium can cause leg cramps. If you do not have sufficient amount of potassium in your body, then you need to consider consuming more sources of potassium or eat potassium supplements with your meals. Examples of potassium-rich fruits are oranges, grapes, bananas, apricots, dates, nectarines, and raisins, etc. Examples of potassium-rich vegetables are broccoli or cabbage. Meat like lamb, pork, saltwater fish, etc are also a good source of potassium to relieve from thigh cramps fast.
2.) Drink Water to Get Rid of Leg Cramps
You may find drinking water, such an ordinary thing. But staying hydrated is an essential for a healthy body. There is a relationship between muscle cramps and dehydration. So, make sure that you have enough fluids in your body to stop contracting muscles. Try to drink at least 2 liters of water daily. If you exercise, try to drink water extra from usual. Drinking water retains the electrolyte balance in our body. Electrolyte imbalance is an additional reason for leg cramps.
3.) Exercise to Cure Leg Cramps Naturally
If you have joined an exercise program, make sure it is appropriate for you. Consult with your trainer and learn a proper routine workout. Make sure, you warm up and stretch before start exercising. Do not work out for extended periods. Avoid jumping into a new exercise routine and overdo it. A sudden crack of activity and over exercises can lead to leg cramps later.
4.) Yellow Mustard to Relieve Leg Cramps
It sounds wild, but you must try a teaspoon of yellow mustard to relieve leg cramps. It is a low-priced way to get rid of leg cramps. You need to add a teaspoon of yellow mustard in a cup of hot milk and mix it well. Then drink it before going to bed. This is yet one more leg cramps remedy with no scientific base, but it actually works in real life to treat leg cramps at home.
5.) Baking Soda to Relieve Leg Cramps
Baking soda is useful for treating an a severe body ache or cramps, including leg cramps. You need to drink a ¼ teaspoon of baking soda mixed with a glass of warm water after exercising. Soda helps to counterbalance the lactic acid that produced in the muscles due to intense exercises.
6.) Massage to Relieve Leg Cramps Fast
This is the best thing to do when leg cramp hits. Massage your tightened muscles softly. Try to stretch your leg, if you can, then bend the ankle toward the back, stretching the calf muscle. Use a water bag or hot water bottle on the calf muscle to make the contracted muscles calm down.
7.) Take a Warm Bath to Remove Leg Cramps
Taking a warm bath also help decrease the pain and free the contraction of the calf muscles. Fill your tub with lukewarm water and put some Epsom salt and soak yourself for 10-20 mins. The heat and salt will make the effort, it will lose your stretched muscles and helps reduce the pain.
8.) Use Ice to Relieve Leg Cramps Fast
The Ice pack is a natural remedy to treat leg cramps. It is also helpful for the treatment of charley horse. To relax calf muscles, use an ice pack or a cool compress on the affected area to treat a leg cramp. Avoid application of ice directly on the calf. Wrap it in a towel or in a piece of a washcloth before placing it on the skin. Do this procedure for 10-15 mins for best results. This remedy is useful to relive leg cramps fast and naturally.
9.) Apply Heat or Cold to Relieve Leg Cramps
Use a lukewarm heating pad or towel on stressed or tight muscles. Taking a hot bath or directing the steam of a hot shower onto the restricted muscle can also help. Otherwise, massaging the cramped muscle with ice may relieve pain.
10.) Consume More Calcium and Magnesium to Relieve Leg Cramps
When it comes to keep your body healthy and strong the combination of mineral and vitamin works like wonders It helps stop muscle and leg cramp and charley horse. Try to eat more calcium and magnesium maximum. In the form of food or tablet. You can include all the dairy products and nuts, which are loaded with calcium and magnesium content.
11.) Stretching and Flexing to Get Rid of Leg Cramps Fast
A stretching exercise can help a lot, when a foot cramp or leg cramp strikes. The stretching exercise includes stretching your leg while standing or sitting position. Stretching encourages blood flow to the affected area to relieve the cramp. It is suggested that you must remain in a stretching position until the cramp goes away. Use this as a preventive measure before you go to sleep.
12.) Taking Foods or Drinks Rich in Vinegar to Treat Leg Cramps
Vinegar consists of acetic acid, which helps the body to make acetylcholine, it’s a neurotransmitter which enhances our muscle functionality. So the more you have acetylcholine in your body, the better your muscle will function. Drinking apple cider vinegar or drinking pickle juice mixed with honey or eating any type of mustard will give fast relief from leg cramps. You will see most of the athletes with mustard packets, which assist them every time cramps hit. This is one of the best treatment to get rid of leg cramps naturally.
Other Useful Tips to Relieve Leg Cramps:
Leg cramps don’t only occur due to weak muscles, but they are also as an effect of unhealthy behavior and lifestyles. Stick to a healthy, balanced diet enhances the flexibility and strength of the muscles. This should be joined with regular exercises, which build muscle power and stop the occurrence of cramps.
Since most people suffer leg cramps at night, implementing a proper sleeping position also helps decrease occurrence of leg cramps. The worst thing about leg cramps is that, one minute you are fine and the next minute you will be experiencing so much pain, that will leave you unconscious about how to treat it. The above home remedies will provide you with easy, fast and effective solutions every time you want to treat foot and leg cramps.
You can also read the article on our website How to get rid of thigh cramp?