Leg cramps can be very painful, especially if they occur at night. Though there is no permanent cure or medicine to treat leg cramps, there are various preventive measures and home remedies for leg cramps worth trying out.
You have to drink lots of fluids to prevent leg cramps as dehydration is the most common cause for cramps.
However this does not include caffeinated and alcoholic drinks as they are diuretics that will dehydrate your system.
Riding a stationary cycle for a few minutes before sleeping can help loosen, stretch and strengthen muscles, and thus reduce the occurrence and severity of night leg cramps.
You have to eat a well balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure your body gets the essential nutrients it requires. This is a helpful preventive measure for night leg cramps as mineral deficiencies can aggravate night leg cramps.
Eat more of dates and bananas as they are rich sources of potassium and magnesium, which help prevent leg cramps. One of the best home remedies for leg cramps is taking 400 mg of magnesium for help with muscle relaxation.
Home remedies for leg cramps involve relaxing your mind and body to relieve the pain during a night leg cramp. While this may seem impractical, it is very much effective, but takes some getting used to. Usually, deep breathing is more than enough for relaxing during a night leg cramp.
You could also lightly massage the cramped muscle using a soothing balm, take a hot shower or soak yourself in a warm bath for relief from the cramp. Massage the muscle in the direction of the muscle to relax its contraction and reduce its pain.
While multi vitamin and mineral supplements help in providing relief from cramps, you should take it only after consultation with a nutritionist or doctor. It is usually deficiencies of calcium, magnesium and potassium that lead to night leg cramps.
Home remedies for leg cramps advises against using tight bed covers or restrictive sheets as they lead to an awkward pointing of the toes and consequent night leg cramps.
Work at strengthening and loosening your muscles by taking up a non-intensive fitness program like pilates or yoga. Yoga is a better choice as its combination of breathing exercises and meditative practices help you relax both your mind and muscles.
In case of a cramped calf muscle, home remedies for leg cramps advises stretching and massaging the leg, and pointing your toes upwards towards your head. If there is any pain after the cramp use warm towel or heating pad to alleviate the pain. Sometimes, cold packs work at relaxing the tensed muscles too.
People prone to night leg cramps should take calcium supplements or drink a warm glass of milk before sleeping.
Cramp bark is also a great herb for treating any form of cramps. Just take 1-2 tsp of the tincture, thrice a day.
Home remedies for leg cramps involves taking a mixture of a tbsp of calcium lactate and a tsp. of apple cider vinegar and honey in half a glass of lukewarm water, and drinking it in a gulp.
Try drinking a cup of red raspberry-leaf tea in the morning and night for at least 14 days. This is one of the more effective home remedies for leg cramps.
So if you frequently suffer from cramps, try out these home remedies for leg cramps for relief from its pain and discomfort.
