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Leg cramps are a fairly common occurrence. They usually affect the calf muscles but sometimes people also experience cramps in the muscles of their feet and thighs. The cramps occur suddenly when the leg muscle contracts involuntarily and painfully. They generally occur when a person is resting or sleeping and last up to ten minutes or more. In severe cases a patient has a tender muscle for more than twenty four hours.
When a muscle tightens for a prolonged period of time, it is shortened and it is stimulated to contract and go into a spasm. This mostly occurs while we are sleeping when our knees are slightly bent and the feet point downwards thus shortening the calf muscle. The exact cause of leg cramps is unknown but they are linked to underlying disorders such as diabetes and peripheral artery disease. Older people and pregnant women are more prone to experience leg cramps than young adults. Muscle fatigue, dehydration, alcohol abuse and electrolyte imbalance can also lead to leg cramps.
Best Ways To Get Rid Of Leg Cramps
Mustard Oil
Warm some mustard oil and massage your legs, feet and thighs with it for twenty minutes just before going to bed. Mustard oil will relax the tensed muscles and will provide additional strength to them. Its rubefacient properties will also stimulate the blood circulation and will help you get rid of the leg cramps.
Turmeric
Turmeric an age old remedy has been extensively used since ancient times, in ayurvedic medicine for treating and curing almost every ailment and disease. This amazing spice is full of marvelous medicinal values which keep the body and its organs in good functioning order.
Turmeric keeps the muscles in good shape and prevents them from going into a spasm. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder into a glass of hot milk and drink it every night before going to bed.
How To Prevent Leg Cramps
Home Remedies For Leg Cramps
Herbal Remedies For Leg Cramps
Castor Oil
Warm some castor oil and dip a clean cotton cloth into it. Wrap the cloth around your calf muscles and secure it with a plastic sheet so that the oil does not stain your sheets.
Keep for as long as possible then wash the oil off with warm water. Do this every night before going to bed. The warm oil will relax the tense muscles and will keep their movement smooth and flowing.
Apple Cider Vinegar
It is always handy to have apple cider vinegar in your kitchen cabinet. Its wide ranging medicinal values address a host of diseases and ailments.
Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of warm water and drink this solution twice daily to get rid of leg cramps. You can also rub apple cider vinegar on your legs and feet every night before going to bed.
Amla
Amla has so many health benefits that it is impossible to enumerate all of them. It strengthens the muscles and builds a lean muscle mass because it enhances protein synthesis.
Buy some dried amla powder or else you can dry them yourself when they are in season and grind them to a fine powder and store it for regular use. Swallow one teaspoon of amla powder with some water every morning on an empty stomach. Regular use will help you to get rid of leg cramps and to improve your overall body health.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.