5 Natural Approaches To Address Leg Cramps

Whether it’s Charley horses or leg cramps, they tend to pose a lot of challenges and irritation. Yes, these are common problems that affect our muscles, feet and even the entire hands and legs. For some these cramps could be severe, just like a group of electric ants running through the nerves. It could lead to pain and joint aches when you are growing old already.

However, muscle cramps happen when your muscles are involuntarily contracting.

Generally, cramps occur for a reason, and that could be because you either have strained a muscle or probably your muscles are overused, like when you are back from the gym! Sometimes, it could be dehydration as well, especially during the summers.

We have mentioned 5 natural approaches that will address leg cramps directly from the health expert desks. Take a look.

5 Natural Approaches to Address Leg Cramps

Muscle cramps aren’t worrisome health issues, while in most cases, it doesn’t require special attention and medical care. But sometimes it could be a great risk, especially for people over 60 years of age. If the cramp’s bothering you too much, it is recommended that you consult a doctor immediately.

1. Stretch, and Stretch it out!

You are probably at the gym, exercising and suddenly a cramp running down your muscles- immediately stop with whatever you are doing! Never strain your muscles and try to stretch out the muscle. It could be difficult to stand up immediately, but it can bring immediate relief from the cramps and pains.

However, it is significant to stretch out both before and after you exercise. After you have stretched out, try to rub/massage the affected area gently- don’t apply too much pressure on the muscle, it could worsen the cramp.

2. Hydration

Hydrating your body should be natural. The study says, one of the biggest reasons for cramps could be hydration. Every individual should drink about 6 to 8 glasses of water, however, if you are active enough, then you need to make it at least 10 glasses of water every day.

If you are not sure about your hydration ratio, then ensure that your urine is clear, instead of orange, yellow, or pale yellow. You can also avoid dehydration by limiting caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcohol. If you are thirsty, drink fresh fruit juice or a milkshake.

3. Massage or keep moving

If you are over 50 years of age or probably growing old, then being on the move with electric ants in the nerve won’t be possible. However, you can proceed with soft massaging with CBD oil, because it can help you reduce muscle pain in an hour.

Muscle cramps and spasms are not quite consistent, they hardly last for a few minutes, and if your cramps are longer, then you need to consult a physician immediately, it could be a severe muscle issue. For pregnant women and elderly people, adding iron and magnesium to the diet can reduce leg cramps quite completely.

4. Apply Heat or Cold

Applying heat and cold compression on the affected areas can be a great remedy. Heating immediately after the spasms or muscle cramp can help you to soothe your pain quite instantly. Since applying heat can help you to loosen up your muscle, and however, post that you can also take a warm or hot shower.

Once you have applied a heat pack on the affected muscle, you can start applying a cold pack or ice pack and place it on the cramping muscle. Wrapping the ice towel around the painful muscle can help you with the cramps and eventually relieve you from the pain.

5. Take a painkiller

Well, let me tell you if you are suffering from severe health issues and muscle problems already, then over-the-counter painkillers won’t do any good. However, ensure to talk to the provider or your physician before you take any medication on your own.

You can however consult your doctor or physician immediately if the problem and pain persist. Painkillers and medications can cure muscle spasms and cramps. If you know that the muscle cramp is quite usual and not severe, then over-the-counter medicines can work and give you relief quite immediately.

Conclusion

There are tons of preventive measures for leg cramps which include propping your feet with a soft pillow. Wear suitable and fit footwear, tight footwear can cause other muscle issues and skin conditions. Never forget to exercise, also don’t skip the warm-up and stretching before and after the warm-up. If the cramps are severe, then consult a doctor!