Almost everyone experiences a muscle cramp at some time in their life. It is especially common among people who participate in sports. In fact, muscle cramps afflict 39 percent of marathon runners, 79 percent of athletes and 60 percent of cyclists at one time or another.
These sudden and involuntary contractions can occur in different muscle groups. Most commonly affected are the muscles in the back of the lower leg and the front and back of the thigh. Muscle cramps may also happen in the abdominal wall, arms, hands and feet.
Intense sharp pain is the most common symptom. It can also be accompanied by swelling, soreness and inflammation. In some cases, a hard lump of muscle tissue develops beneath the skin. A muscle cramp can last from a few seconds to 15 minutes or longer.
Here are the top 6 home remedies for muscle cramps.
1. Cold Compress
After the initial heat treatment or after the pain has improved, use a cold compress on the sore muscles to provide complete relief from a muscle cramp.
The cold temperature will numb the pain, reduce inflammation and allow the affected muscle to relax. Plus, once the cramp is gone, a cold compress will help reduce soreness by constricting the blood vessels.
2. Drink Fluids
Dehydration is one of the main causes of leg cramping, in both athletic and non-athletic people. Rehydrating your body will quickly solve the problem.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Being high in potassium, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar helps relieve muscle cramps. Low potassium is one of the common causes of frequent muscle cramps. Plus, there are several nutrients in apple cider vinegar that help control the fluid balance in the body, thus preventing dehydration.
4. Yellow Mustard
Interestingly, yellow mustard, too, has been used to treat muscle cramps within minutes. The possible reason could be that it contains acetic acid that promotes production of acetylcholine in the body. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that prompts muscles to work. This will relieve pain and soreness.
5. Clove Oil
Clove oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce muscle cramp inflammation and swelling. Plus, the anesthetic property of clove oil will help alleviate pain.
6. Black Strap Molasses
If your muscle cramp is linked to calcium and potassium deficiency, then black strap molasses is a great remedy for you. It is a good source of calcium and potassium, and thus it can help to maintain strong muscles and prevent cramps.
You should use these effective home remedies to cure muscle cramps. If you found this post useful then please do like and share it with your friends and family!!!