What causes muscle cramps?
A cramp is a sharp pain caused by a sudden contraction of a body part or muscle spasm. It could be caused due to a number of factors. Too much physical activity or over-exercise could cause dehydration resulting into cramps. Getting cramps frequently could also mean that you are running short of essential minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Women often experience cramps during menstruation. Severe cramps could also be symptoms of thrombosis and embolisms.
Easy tips to reduce pain from cramps
As an immediate measure to alleviate muscle cramp, you could press a hot flannel on the affected muscle. This would relax the tightness and increase blood circulation to the area. You must hold the flannel in place for about 20 minutes and take another 20 minutes before replacing it.
A nice, warm, long shower could reduce pain wonderfully. Jut to make the process more effective, mix half a cup of Epsom salts in your bathing water. This would supply your tired muscle the magnesium necessary to heal it. You could try standing on tiptoes for 2-5 minutes, followed by a 5 minutes walk.
If you want a relaxing massage on your cramp, first find the epicenter of the pain. Now, press down your thumb on this spot and massage it gently with the heel of your hand. Hold and release the pressure for 10 seconds each time. Massaging the cramped area with a mixture of wintergreen and vegetable oil also helps.
Some dietary changes to alleviate cramps
You could reduce the frequency of cramps by drinking plenty of water. However, you must not drink much water immediately before, during and after a workout session. Nightly cramps could be prevented by taking 250mg vitamin E daily. Eating fruits like bananas, peaches, dried apricots and foods like cheddar, chocolates, cod liver and sea food help prevent cramps.
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