How to Get Rid of Leg Cramps

Why do Muscle Cramps happen?

Muscle cramps such as leg cramps and abdominal muscle cramps happen due to different reasons. The most common reasons for cramping are:

• dehydration, 
• muscle overuse, 
• mineral deficiency 
• circulatory problems, 

And no matter what the reason may be, cramps can stop whatever you are doing because of the severe pain. For acute cramps, here are some of the best and the fastest remedies.

To Remove Leg Cramps

Leg cramps happen when you least expect them. The most common scenario is when you lie in bed at night and all of a sudden you move your legs and an unexpected terrible cramping starts. 

To immediately remove leg cramps, 

• Hold your leg still and reach for your toes. 
• Move the feet on the affected leg upward while keeping your leg still. 
• Hold this position for a few minutes until the cramping stops. 
• Afterwards, elevate the leg on a pillow.

Try a Massage

A simple circular massage over the affected area may work too. If your leg starts to cramp, 

• straighten it 
• use your middle and index fingers to work small circular strokes over the area. 
• Use oil to apply heat over the area 
• then afterward raise the leg on a pillow. 
• You can also apply a warm compress or use an electric blanket to soothe the area.

Try a Stretching

Prevention is also the best treatment to get rid of cramps. If you frequently suffer from cramping at night, you should perform some leg and calf stretches before you lie down. 

A calf and hamstring stretch will help reduce the possibility of waking up at night because of cramps. 

• Stand up and bend one of your legs from the back
• Hold this position for a few minutes and then repeat with the other leg. 

Another one,

• You can also lie on your back and raise each leg one at a time 
• Then bend each leg towards your chest. 
• Hold this position for a few minutes and then do the same with the other leg.

Try Water

Keep hydrated all day long. One of the most common reasons for muscle cramping is dehydration. Drink more than 8 glasses of water each day especially when you need to stay outdoors and do physical activities for a long period of time. You should also eat lots of fruits. 

Getting rid of cramps is easy if you follow these natural and effective techniques.