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A sudden and spasmodic contraction of the muscles that causes pain and can hinder movement is known as a muscle cramp. Commonly affecting the legs, muscle cramps are usually caused by strenuous physical activity that has strained and exerted the muscle. Such exercise makes you sweat leading to the loss of essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium.
Deficiency of any of these minerals can make you more susceptible to muscle cramps, since these minerals are responsible for carrying the electrical impulses to your muscles and making it contract and relax. Dehydration due to other reasons, such as inadequate consumption of water and fluids or a medical condition or medications being consumed also lead a loss of these essential electrolytes increasing your susceptibility to painful muscle cramps. Deficiency of Vitamin C and bioflavanoids such as Hesperidin, Citrin, Rutin, Flavones, Flavonals, Calechin and Quercetin have also been proven to cause leg cramps during the night.
Medical conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes and even rheumatoid arthritis which interfere with the blood circulation or the body's metabolism can result in severe muscle cramps.
If you suffer from a sudden leg cramp, you should gently massage the muscles in the direction of the muscle till the pain is soothed. This helps to increase the blood circulation in the affected area and also relaxes the muscles. Stretching the affected muscles also helps to reduce the pain. You should stretch the affected muscle with one hand while squeezing and releasing it with the other hand. This not only induces blood circulation in the cramped muscles but also relaxes the muscles within a few minutes. You can also apply a heat pad to the muscles to relieve the pain and relax the muscles. Rubbing an ice pack over the affected muscle will help to increase the circulation of blood in the area. You can also soak your feet in a tub of hot water with a small pouch of brown and black mustard seeds floating in the water. Soaking your feet in this water for around 15 to 20 minutes will help to relieve the muscle cramps. Chamomile tea and honey are beneficial for treating and preventing muscle cramps. Apple cider vinegar which is rich in potassium should be consumed. You can mix 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar with 1 tsp of honey in a glass of warm water and drink this daily to prevent leg cramps. Above all, remember to drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juices, especially if you indulge in heavy exercises, to keep your body well hydrated and prevent cramps.
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