Anyone who has ever had a muscle cramp knows just how excruciatingly painful they can be. You might be surprised to learn that muscle cramps are actually quite common, affecting up to one-third of adults in the United States. While most muscle cramps resolve on their own within a few minutes or hours, there are some things you can do to ease the pain and get rid of the cramp more quickly. Here are a few tips for getting rid of muscle cramps in your legs.
1. Massage the muscle. Gently massaging the cramped muscle can help it to relax and ease the pain.
2. Stretch the muscle. Once the muscle has relaxed enough, try stretching it out slowly and gently until the cramp subsides.
3. Apply heat or cold. Applying heat (via a heating pad, warm towel, or warm bath) or cold (via an ice pack) to the affected area can help to soothe the pain and reduce inflammation.
4. Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration is a common cause of muscle cramps, so be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. You might also want to consider adding electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) to your diet if you regularly experience muscle cramps.
5. Wear supportive shoes. Wearing shoes that provide adequate support can help prevent leg cramps by correcting any imbalances in your posture or gait that may be contributing to your muscles becoming overworked or strained.
6. Sleep on a comfortable mattress. Making sure you have a comfortable mattress and pillow can help reduce tension in your muscles and prevent leg cramps at night while you sleep.
7. Avoid high heels and tight clothing. Wearing high heels or tight clothing can put unnecessary strain on your muscles and lead to cramping, so avoid these if possible when trying to prevent leg cramps.
8. Take breaks often if you spend long periods of time standing or sitting down. If you spend most of your day standing or sitting down, take frequent breaks to move around and stretch your legs so that your muscles don’t become too fatigued or cramped up.
9. Try CBD Oil. CBD oil is a natural remedy that has been shown to be effective in treating muscle pain and cramping. You can use CBD oil topically by massaging it into the affected area, or you can take it orally in the form of tinctures or capsules. Here you can buy full spectrum CBD oil.
10. Monitor any medication side effects. Some medications (such as birth control pills, antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering drugs, etc.) list leg cramps as potential side effects. If you are taking any medications, talk with your doctor about whether they could be contributing to your leg cramps.
Conclusion
If you’re dealing with muscle cramps, try these tips to find relief. If your cramps are severe or happen frequently, however, be sure to talk to your doctor as there may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.
