Quick, Effective Remedies for Leg Cramps

Sharon Moore June 21, 2017

We’ve all experienced leg cramps at some point in our life. It is very common and can affect people of all ages. There are many reasons for leg cramps. Yet fortunately, there are many ways in which you can get a relief.

When you have leg cramps, you could find yourself experiencing such a high level of discomfort. And if you get them in the middle of the night, it greatly affects your sleep. When you have leg cramps, you experience sudden tightening and spasms of the muscles. And while it is short, it can be really painful. While these leg cramps are not harmful themselves, experiencing them in some instances or situations can be dangerous, such as when you’re swimming or driving a car. And while the sudden pain subsides in a matter of minutes, sometimes it will leave your leg muscles feeling sore and tender and it can last for a few hours.

Natural remedies for leg cramps

Leg cramps have different causes. They can be due to dehydration, muscle fatigue, poor blood circulation, not doing proper warm-up/cool-down during exercise, certain nutrient deficiencies, medication side effects, and underlying health issues. If you experience leg cramps more often, it is always recommended to talk to your GP.

There are many different ways to quickly alleviate leg cramps and find relief immediately. Here are some of them:

Relaxation

Many of us try to fight back the cramps. But in most cases, relaxing the muscles works best. Try to let your leg muscles relax and try resist the temptation to move and panic, and push through it.

Hot Compress

You can also apply hot compress in the area where the cramps took place. This is a great way for the cramp to subside more quickly.

Toe Flex

A very effective strategy to ease leg cramps quickly is to simply flex your toes. Flex and then point your toes. Hold the position for a few seconds and feel the pain subsides.

Massage

If there’s someone with you when you experience leg cramps, ask him or her to massage the area where the cramp strikes. This helps alleviate the cramps and fight the soreness that is likely to follow after.

Prevention Tips

Now that you know some quick-fixes to find relief from leg cramps, it is also helpful to know about the ways to actually prevent it. Here are some tips for you:

· Drink more water. Make sure you are always hydrated.

· Exercise regularly. It promotes blood flow throughout your body. And when you exercise, make sure to warm-up and cool-down properly.

· Reduce your alcohol intake.

· Do rest your legs.

Featured Practitioner: Mrs Michelle Aris - Ealing & Hounslow Acupuncture

Other Practitioners: Deep Tissue Massage Ealing