Here’s What You Need To Know To Relieve Or Prevent Night Leg Cramps

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I GET A LEG CRAMP?

When the pain of leg cramps strike, it can often leave you unable to move. Knowing how to take the right steps at that moment will help prevent lingering soreness after the cramp has gone.

• Sit on the floor and extend both legs out in front of you. Now flex your feet at the ankles and point your toes toward your knees – you may want to tug on your feet to offer an even better stretch.
• Get up slowly and walk around a bit. Shaking your legs can also improve blood flow.
• Gently massage the pained area in a circular motion.
• Ensure blankets and sheets are not tight enough to make the leg muscles contract.
• Take a tablespoon of yellow mustard to relieve discomfort.

Why mustard to stop the leg pain? Mustard contains an acetic acid (also found in vinegar), which prompts the body to produce more acetylcholine and ease away the leg cramp.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT LEG CRAMPS?

To stop leg cramps before they begin, try these remedies. Most of these solutions can be done right at home, even right before bed, to stop those cramps at the source.

• Take a relaxing, warm bath before you go to sleep to ease any muscle tightness.
  Apply a heating pad to the usually affected area.
• Stretch your legs prior to bed.
• Partake in water exercises to build leg muscles.

• Wear ergonomic shoes for your day and avoid high heels.
• Consider consuming more horse chestnut, which has been shown to increase blood flow to the legs.

If all else fails, go to your doctor. You’ll want your practitioner to check that you have normal levels of magnesium and potassium. Deficiencies in either are a direct cause of leg cramps.

Your doctor may suggest you see an acupuncturist. Although this sounds a bit scary, it’s a great solution for your nightly pain; this type of therapy has been proven to relieve tension in muscles and prevent future leg cramps.

For daily treatment, make sure to get up and walk around a bit throughout your day, tend to your sore legs before bed each night, and wear shoes that make sense! If you keep all these precautions in mind, you can banish leg cramps yourself without any medical involvement.

However, if you’re unsure or nervous about your leg cramps, we always encourage you to talk to your doctor first and foremost.

Credits: tiphero.com