Overview of Muscle Cramps
Leg cramps are something that most people deal with at one point or another. For those who have mild cases or these do not occur often, they may not affect their quality of life, thus, they do not need any prevention. However, for those who constantly suffer from leg cramps, they need to learn ways in which they can prevent these.
Cramps can be a terrible experience, particularly when you get them while you are sleeping. Leg cramps usually target your hamstrings and calves; however, they can affect any muscle in your body. Occasionally they appear to hit you suddenly, but most of the time they can be a result because of your movements.
Causes of Muscle Cramps
There are several causes that can contribute to leg cramps. There are those cases that are being caused by medications. In this case, the medication may be changed to stop this. Dehydration can also be the cause of leg cramps; thus, it would mean increasing your fluid intake.
Stretching Exercises
For those who have leg cramps, they may find that stretching exercises can greatly improve these symptoms. They will find that there is not as much scientific evidence that supports this, but many who have leg cramps find it to be soothing.
Nocturnal Cramps
Many leg cramps occur for those who are asleep. In order to prevent this, it may mean changing your sleep position. A few recommendations:
- Proper the feet up with a pillow
- Keep the blankets around your feet lose
- Hang the feet over the bed
There is not much scientific evidence that shows that this work. But once again, those who have had leg cramps often state that this is a good method.
Medication for Preventing
There are medications that can be given to help prevent leg cramps if other methods are not working. These are relatively safe and are often taken at night to prevent these cramps through the night and the following day. Quinine is one treatment that is given often. When taken in high doses is can have detrimental effects. Hence, why it is only given after other options have been exhausted.
Hot Soak
Many experts such as instructors, trainers, and physical analysts also suggest applying magnesium on the exterior of your body, such as Epsom salts. This traditional medicine can be smeared on a damp cloth and pushed onto a cramped muscle, or you can even add it to your bath and soak it until you are done.