[toc]Leg cramps, also called Charley Horse is a sudden contraction of the calf muscles, causing intense pain which may last for few seconds. Almost everyone has experienced muscle cramps at some point in time or another. These neural sensations can be caused due to prolonged sitting in the same position, over use of the leg muscles due to exercising, or due to dehydration.
Leg cramps are very common in pregnant women, sportspersons and elderly people. In addition to severe pain in the legs, leg cramps is also characterized by discomfort and swelling in the legs in some cases. The leg cramps can be treated by the following natural ways stated below:
5 Various Ways To Treat Leg Cramps
Oil Massage
To relieve the leg cramps, one can massage the leg with essential oils like eucalyptus, rosemary, coconut and lavender. After massaging, take a towel dipped in hot water, squeeze the towel and wrap it on the affected area of leg. This will alleviate the pain of cramps. You can also apply hot water bottle to the affected area or immerse your feet in hot water.
Exercising
Cramps in pregnant women are very common. Stretching and mild exercise provides great relief in this situation. Mild exercises increase the blood circulation in the legs, and prove to be an efficient remedy for leg cramps. You can do yoga, which helps in stretching the muscles and improving blood circulation. You can also go for brisk walks in the evening for about half an hour. Most people avoid exercising due to leg cramps. However, exercising can prove to be beneficial in reducing the pain.
Have A Proper Diet
Eating 3-4 walnuts on an empty stomach in the morning is considered to be an effective natural remedy for leg cramps. People consider mustard to a very effective ingredient in relieving leg cramps. When you experience leg cramp, swallow a spoon full of yellow mustard seed. This remedy will provide instant relief.
Calcium and Vitamin E are important in reducing the occurrence of leg cramps and also reducing the pain. Increasing the intake of food rich in calcium and Vitamin E are thus helpful. You can also consider taking calcium and Vitamin D supplements. Consuming a potassium rich diet is also important.
Keep Your Body Hydrated
It is important to drink lots of water during the day to prevent leg cramps. Preventing dehydration is the major need to cure leg cramps. You should avoid taking caffeine and alcohol to get rid of this muscle strain. You can also have tea made with red raspberry leaf and chamomile as this can provide great relief in leg cramps. Raspberry tea can be taken twice a day for 14 days, while chamomile tea should be taken at least 5 times a day for 2 days.
Other Measures
Apple cider vinegar is highly effective in controlling leg cramps as it is high in potassium. 2 teaspoon of cider vinegar mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey can be taken with a glass of warm water. You will find relief in cramps. Leg cramps can also be cured by following some measures before going to bed.
Drinking a glass of warm milk before bedtime, contributes a lot in reducing the leg cramps. The frequent occurrence of the cramps can be controlled with this remedy. You can also take hot shower before going to bed in order to relax your contracted muscles. You can also pour hot water on the affected leg.
Leg cramps can happen very often, if you do not follow a healthy lifestyle. Keeping yourself fit and taking healthy diet is very important to get relieve leg cramps. Do not over exert your muscles, and change your position often while sitting to get rid of leg cramps.
