Leg cramps at night can be very painful as the muscle of the legs contract. Hence, once you feel a large lump on your legs, it means that you are suffering from it. There are several reasons why leg cramps happens. For instance, overworking your legs like running or doing heavy exercise during night time can cause it. Also, people who are not drinking enough water will likely experience it.
Moreover, it is good to know that it is not a sign of a serious health problem. Hence, older people can develop this condition. Also, it might be because of diabetes or drinking too much alcohol. If you have regular attacks at night, then you can visit your doctor.
Meanwhile, one can easily do some remedies for their leg cramps at night.
1. Do some Stretching
Although it will hurt more, it is better to do stretching of the legs before going to bed. Therefore, you can do it by pulling the toes going to the shin. As a result, it will stretch the muscles in your legs.
2. Try some Massages
Moreover, with the use of some relaxing oil, you can massage your leg using your hands. However, you may also use a roller to do it. It is one of the most relaxing leg cramps remedy that you can do alone at home.
3. Standing
A standing position or getting up may help ease it. Hence, it is done by pressing the feet to touch the floor. Also, it is a form of stretching your leg muscles.
4. Walking
Furthermore, it is good to do some exercises with your legs like walking. Walking is a very light activity that will not put too much stress on your legs.
5. Try Applying Heat
Another leg cramps remedy is to apply some heat in the legs. Therefore, one can use a heating pad or soak the legs in a warm bath.
6. Try Cold Press
On the other hand, you may also choose a cold press using an ice wrap in a towel.
7. Take Some Pain Killer
In case of serious pain, you can take medicine to ease it. It is the fastest muscle cramps treatment for pain.
8. Elevate the Legs
Once you feel better after an attack, it is good to elevate the legs. Hence, it will allow a good blood flow in the legs.
9. Drink More Water
Doctors will advise you to drink more water. However, the effect of drinking water or any sports drink may take longer. Definitely, you will feel better once you are hydrated.
10. Take Magnesium
Some may experience it regularly, but not related to a serious health problem. Therefore, you may consider adding foods rich in Magnesium to your diet. The best sources are nuts and seeds. Also, it is advisable for pregnant women with this problem. It can be in the form of pill or foods rich in Magnesium like:
- Spinach
- Nuts
- Soymilk
- Beans
- Edamame
- Baked potatoes
- Brown rice
- Low-fat yogurt
11. Take Some Vitamins
Although it is not the best muscle cramp treatment, it may help to solve the problem. For example, adding foods rich in B vitamins are good.
12. Prevention
In case your cramps come from toxins or a serious health problem, then it is important to look for immediate medical help. Good prevention is to drink enough water and take a break after while exercising.
Who Can Develop It?
Anyone can experience it, but some people are more at risk of developing cramps. These are:
- Overweight or obese people
- Athletes or anyone who is very active
- People taking a specific medicine
- Elderly
- Pregnant women
Important Note
In the past quinine, is used to treat this problem, but it is no longer useful as a cure. Hence, there are bad side effects of this medicine that can be very dangerous to health.
Furthermore, it may become an emergency case if the pain does not go away after 5 to 10 minutes. Also, if the pain you feel becomes very serious. Additionally, surgery is not a cure or treatment for leg cramps.
