Do you ever have that dreadful feeling where out the blue your muscles cramp. And nothing you do seems to help them? A muscle cramp is not a cause for concern and it does not have any medical significance but it can be incredibly painful.
What is a muscle cramp?
A muscle cramp is when your muscle suddenly tightens into a very strong and painful contraction. It can for a few seconds, or a few minutes, and it comes on very quickly. Often they will wake up at night, or happen just as you are falling asleep.
What makes your legs cramp at night time?
- You may have had vigorous exercise in the daytime
- Trauma to the muscle
- Your legs may have been still for too long
- Your legs may have been in an awkward position
- It can be a side effect from medication.
- Lack of potassium
- Diuretics
- Steroids
- Dehydration
What can you do for muscle cramps?
The most important thing is to drink and rehydrate. If this is not enough, there are several options for you that do not include over the counter medication. You can do these at home, on your own, without supervision.
Epsom salt bath
Epsom Salts are filled with magnesium with promote muscle relaxation and healing. Add two cups of Epsom salts to your bath water and mix it around. Soak in the bath for twenty minutes. Repeat daily if necessary.
Epsom salts must not be used by anyone suffering with heart issues, high blood pressure or diabetes.
Yellow mustard
Mustard also contains a magnésium, which relieves leg cramps. You will often find sportsmen or sportswomen having a spoon or two of mustard to stop cramps. Mustard contains acetic acids that aid the production of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that prompts muscles to work.
Try this natural home remedy:
Nuvias Cramp Recipe and Remedy
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon anise seeds
- I tablespoon cloves
- 1 tablespoon rosemary
Mix the above herbs together and add them to boiling water. Leave to simmer while the mixture reduces to just half a cup. Drink while warm before bed.
And then remember, staying hydrated is the best way to prevent muscle cramps. Often the problem are caused by dehydration, heat exhaustion, intense thirst or heavy perspiration.
Source: Life Health and Food