Remedies for leg muscle cramps

A sudden contraction of the muscle in the leg is known as a leg cramp. It is characterized by a sharp pain in the muscle along with severe discomfort. Due to involuntary actions, muscle fatigue, movements in the night, the muscles in the leg are stretched the wrong way. This causes the cramp and the severe pain. Forceful contractions during movements also cause the cramps. We tell you about the different leg muscle cramps and their cures. Read on to know more about it.

Leg cramps can affect 3 common areas in the leg; the calf muscles joining the ankle and the knee, Hamstring muscle joining the hips and the knee and the quadriceps crossing the hips and the knee again.

Curing muscle cramps:

Massaging the area: Massaging in smooth, circular motion helps in reduces the pain that rises from leg cramps. Do not stretch the affected area. Instead, just massage slowly and the heat that is generated will help in lessening the pain considerably. After massaging for few minutes, gently try to stretch the muscle. Do not hurry. Slowly stretch the muscle and make flexible movements.

Ice pack: Ice pack works wonder in healing the pain arising from leg cramps. Place an ice pack on the affected area and the pain will lessen with time.

Stretch the calf muscles: Place your toes firmly on the wall and stretch the calf muscles. This helps in relieving the pain of the leg cramp.

Lukewarm milk: Have a glass of lukewarm milk. This effectively lessens the chances and also the pain of leg cramps.

Hot bath or hot water bag: Taking a hot shower can reduce the pain of a leg cramp. Also, if the pain is severe, you can place a hot water bag to lessen the pain.

Increase potassium content in the body: Potassium prevents the body from having cramps. Bananas are rich in potassium and can be consumed daily to reduce cramps.

Use these effective tips to cure leg cramps at home. Practice regular exercises as it will keep leg muscle cramps at bay. Hope our ips will be helpful in preventing leg muscle cramps.