How To Find a Natural Remedy for Leg Cramps

While walking, sleeping, sitting, or standing, a leg cramp can send your pain levels through the roof without a moment’s notice.  The embarrassing reaction would be enough to make you run the other direction, if your leg would let you.  Yet, despite the horrible effects that these cramps can have on the lives of real people, medical professionals are not always forthcoming with solutions that work.

Among the worst to contend with, though they may not share the same embarrassment level, are nighttime leg cramps.  Unlike other conditions like restless leg syndrome, leg cramps will send waves up pain up the leg and directly to the brain.  Some are forced unconsciously from bed, because that sensation is so strong and can come out of nowhere.  A spasm of the leg muscle, the same thing during the day is often referred to as a “Charlie Horse,” is to blame, but what causes the muscle to react in such a way when the muscle is not in use?  No one is entirely sure.  The frequency of this symptom in many people, however, does seem to fluctuate based on certain factors.  For instance, if a person is not one who frequently works out, but suddenly acts on a spurt of energy, then that night he or she is more likely to experience the cramping.  Similarly, improper care of the muscle can result in the same.  Working on hard surfaces, on your feet, or with your legs in an unusual position all day can increase the likelihood of a nighttime leg cramp.  These occurrences are very common in many people and may be caused by these or other factors.  There are ways to help reduce the pain overnight.

Prevention has Priority

Some believe that these cramps are tied to dehydration or lack of certain vitamins and minerals.  Therefore, drinking ample amounts of water to stay fully hydrated and increasing intake of foods and supplements containing calcium, potassium, and magnesium, are thought to be great ways to reduce leg cramp frequency.  Foods containing these important minerals include many varieties of seafood and dairy.  Also, some fresh fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, kiwi, oranges, and broccoli contain high levels or potassium.

Stretching and muscle strengthening will also help as well, but be careful not to overwork the legs, as this might only serve to increase the likelihood of cramping.  Light stretching and working out at a comfortable level are the best bets for doing away with the nighttime nuisance.  This is especially true near the bedtime hours.  Consider spending ten or fifteen minutes before going to bed each evening to stretch all muscles.  Not only will this help with the given predicament, but it is also thought to improve sleep.  While stretching and working out, be sure that the feet are properly supported.  The same is true for regular daytime activity.  Wearing supportive shoes will allow the muscle to remain relaxed throughout the day, so it is less likely to act up at night.

At times, it is thought that it is not something that a person isn’t doing, but rather something that he or she had started doing.  Most notable is the introduction of new medications to the body.  Some medicines are known causes of leg cramps.  If you have suddenly started experiencing the after dark phenomenon, then you might want to ask the doctor if it could be a result of your new prescription.

Curing On the Spot

Regardless of the precautions you take, you may just be more likely than others to experience nighttime leg cramps.  If this is the case, then next time you find yourself in the middle of a torture session, follow these few easy steps to ridding yourself of the pain as quickly as possible.  First, do not lie still through it.  You are not going to injure yourself by moving and that is exactly what you should do.  So, get up and walk around for a moment.  This will typically relax the muscle and stop the pain in its tracks.  Stretching, though it may be painful in the moment, can also help release the tension.  If the pain persists, then head to the kitchen or bathroom for a warm cloth or bath.  Warming muscles is very soothing.  You may also try massaging through the cloth or during the bath.  This will further assist the muscle in finding a relaxed state.  Undoubtedly, the spasm will stop and you will be free to return to your comfy spot in bed.

It is important to understand that muscle cramps are not always something to scoff at.  Those that occur frequently, are excessively painful, or occur in areas of the body other than the legs can be signs of more serious trouble.  If your pains fall into this category, then waste no time seeking medical attention.