Night-time leg cramps may be defined as sudden, painful, Involuntary and strong contractions of the muscles of the calf while resting. It may also occur in a foot or thigh. It gives a feeling of a hard lump. It usually comes suddenly, but may remain for a few to several minutes. Mostly it occurs just after you fall asleep or wake up.
This is more common in middle-aged, pregnant women and elderly. Young people may also suffer from night-time muscle cramps.
Although in most of the cases, these cramps are harmless, but they may be a symptom of some underlying disease.
The exact cause of night-time leg cramps is not known, but the following factors may contribute to it:
Night-time leg cramps are like nightmares when they wake you up due to intense pain. Even after the pain is gone muscles may sore for a few minutes to hours. Below are some home remedies to relieve them:
1. Stretches- If you Experience night-time leg cramps before going to bed or just after you are awake stretching may help you.
2. Application of the heat- Heat dilates the blood vessels and enhances the blood flow towards the affected muscles. It also relaxes the muscles and relieves night-time leg cramps.
You may use a hot wash cloth or electric heating pads for this purpose. Apply them on the affected part for not more than 20 minutes. If you don’t get any relief you can repeat the procedure after 20 minutes.
*Remeber the temperature of a heating pad or washcloth should be comfortable.
3. Wintergreen oil- Methyl salicylate present in the wintergreen not only relieves the pain, but also promotes the flow of the blood and relaxes the muscle.
How to use:
4. Epsom salt- Epsom salt relaxes the muscle and relieves night-time leg cramp.
How to use:
5. Evening primrose oil- Primrose oil is anti-inflammatory and is used to treat acne, eczema, heart diseases and nighttime leg cramp. Take 4 grams of Evening primrose oil daily to relieve your symptoms.
6. Skullcap and valerian herbs- Both these herbs calms the contracted muscles and thus reduces discomfort. It also treats insomnia and anxiety.
This post was last modified on July 16, 2016 11:50 am
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