Almost everyone in their lifetime suffers from excruciating pain and the problem of muscle cramps in the leg. A leg cramp primarily occurs because of muscle spasm in the lower calf region of the leg. And, that’s why we all dread to go through a tough time, especially during the night, when we have to face a leg cramp. Therefore, it is always better to know a few remedies for leg cramps. Anyone can suffer from leg cramps, and most of us do at some time or another. Leg cramps can be an absolute nightmare, particularly when they wake you up during the night.

Leg cramps are most commonly prone to hit your hamstrings or the muscles of the calves; however, they can appear in any muscle. While leg cramps usually aren’t severe, in rare cases, the leg cramps can be symptoms of intermittent claudication which is a form of atherosclerosis that causes inadequate blood supply to the legs. Except for the rare cases, leg cramps can be managed by knowing a few of the remedies for leg cramps.

Leg cramps are also called ‘charley horse’ in conventional terms. The leg muscles usually affected by cramps are the ones that cross more than one joint, for example, the quadriceps muscles of the front of the thigh cross two joints, the hip and the knee. The hamstrings (muscles behind the thigh) also cross the hip and knee joints.

Sometimes leg cramps seem to occur at night, just when you need your rest and sleep. It can disrupt your sleep so much that the next day you wake up groggy and perform below your peak. The agony and pain of a leg cramp can be unbearable.

Causes of a leg cramp

Some common factors increase the chance of having leg muscle spasms that accelerate or become the primary cause of the contraction. Here’s a list of some of the common causes.

• Muscle tiredness, overworked muscles
• Heavy and strenuous exercising
• Consuming less water
• Being overweight, not compulsorily obese
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Medications, prescribed or otherwise
• Pregnancy
• Magnesium deficiency
• Calcium deficiency
• Motor neuron diseases

People who are more likely to have leg cramps include athletes or triathletes because of their extreme muscle exercises. Sportsmen and hunter who have high exertion during their activity too are more prone to muscle cramps. Women who are pregnant often face this issue. Lastly, people who are ill, overweight or aged can face this issue as well.

Natural remedies to cure leg cramps

• Here are a few effective natural remedies for leg cramp. These can help you avoid cramps again and again.
• Eat more fresh and raw vegetable and fruits. Vegetables lose a lot of their natural vitamins and minerals when they are overcooked. Also, stay away from fatty meats, too much sugar, and white flour.
• Drink more water. Being dehydrated is one of the principal causes of muscle cramps along with a multitude of other health problems. Cut down or exclude sugary or caffeinated drinks and consume as much water as you can.
• Step on a cold floor or stumble to your fridge for an ice pack. Studies show cold temperature block pain stations in the muscles and can lessen spasms in your calves, thighs, or feet. This is one of the most commonly used remedies for leg cramps.
• Sip on some pickle juice. It might sound absurd but it actually works. According to a study in medicine, sipping pickle juice can relieve muscle cramps within seconds. A few other research studies state that high spicy ingredients in the mixture ignite a neurological reaction that helps calm spasms.
• Fill up on electrolytes. Low levels of magnesium, calcium, and potassium frequently cause muscle cramps. Banana or coconut water will help provide these compounds within minutes.

Medication remedies for leg cramps

Often, we might have vitamin deficiencies which can lead to a leg cramp. So, if you’re looking for more remedies for leg cramps, don’t forget your vitamin pills. After the cause is determined, it is always advisable to try to treat the underlying cause on a priority basis. Vitamin B complex or vitamin E supplements may be helpful. Magnesium supplements have also shown some benefit, mostly for pregnant women. Your medical practitioner may recommend calcium and Diphenhydramine channel blockers.

Leg cramps, though not a dangerous illness, can often disrupt the physical condition of the patient and can also cause a lot of pain to the person. With remedies for leg cramp and preventive measures, it is usually sufficient enough to solve out this problem. In fact, spending a huge sum of money is not necessarily required to find a leg cramps remedy that works.

However, as with any illness, if the condition persists for a prolonged period it is best to seek advice from an expert.