Legs cramping are a very common occurrence, especially during the night. If this is something that happens to you it is usually unexpected and they happen like fast spasms or contraction of the muscles located in the thighs, feet and calves.
Night time leg cramps usually happen when you have fallen asleep or just right after you open the eyes in the morning. The worst thing about it is that the pain can be really extreme sometimes and it can last up to a few minutes. When it is gone, the muscles will be tightened and tensed and there will be pain if you touch them or move fast.
However, you should know that leg cramps are very different from the restless leg syndrome. It is true that both of these conditions happen during the night, however, restless leg syndrome makes people feel relaxed when they move the legs. If they move them, then they will cramp and the pain will be stronger.
Nevertheless, scientists have not determined why this happens yet. But, they suspect that certain health conditions might lead to this.
THE CAUSES FOR LEG CRAMPS
- Being exposed to low temperatures for a long period of time
- Blood circulation issues
- Thyroid disease
- Dehydration
- Specific pharmaceutical drugs.
- Kidney disease
- Injury
- Physical activity
- Muscle overload
- Lack of calcium
- Pregnancy
- Lack of Magnesium
- Lack of Potassium
If you notice that these cramps are not connected with a serious health issue, you can rely on a few different method to help yourself.
HOW TO TREAT THE CRAMPS
1. MAGNESIUM
You can use magnesium in your daily diet if you have been experiencing cramps. You should consume seeds and nuts because they are loaded with this nutrient. Also, consult a doctor if you want supplements.
Moreover, you can take magnesium oil and rub it on the legs before you go to bed. Just boil half a cup of distilled water and then add half a cup of magnesium chloride flakes. When it dissolves, remove it from heat and let it cool. Just store it in a spray bottle and spray five to ten times on each leg before you go to bed.
2. REMAIN ACTIVE
If you take a walk it might also help with eliminating the muscle cramps due to the fact that this activity is easy and relaxes the muscles in our legs. Make sure you do not stand in one position only for a long time.
3. INCREASE WATER INTAKE
If you were not familiar with it before, dehydration is one of the leading causes of muscle cramps. Naturally, drinking water will not provide instant relief, however, if you drink it sufficiently daily, it will improve your health definitely.
4. BATH BASED ON EPSOM SALT
A lot of therapists, trainers and coaches recommend people to use Epsom salt bath so that they can eliminate the cramping. This special bath delivers a great amount of magnesium to the skin ad the pleasantly warm water will relax the muscles.
5. MASSAGE OR ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture will relax every muscles and fix the cause of the problem. If you are afraid of needles, you can use a massage as well. Just do the massages and your muscles will relax.
6. STRETCHING
First, relax the muscles that are cramping. Thus, do not do any physical activity that may have triggered the cramp. Keep your muscles stretched and rub the area gently.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A MUSCLE CRAMP
Finally, we will leave you off with a piece of advice. You can definitely use the methods we have mentioned as prevention. However, if the cramp happens suddenly and you are feeling paralyzed you should follow these tips:
- Move your leg if you can or walk in the room to improve the blood circulation
- Rub the muscle for a couple of minutes
- Use blankets, sheets and clothing to provide good air flow
- Sit down on the floor and extend the legs as much as you can and flex the feet at the ankles. Make sure you extend the toes as well. Then, use the hands to drag the feet and stretch the muscles gently. That is it!
