Image credit: shauking
The pain from cramps in the legs can last about a minute or a little longer, but at the same time bring unbearable anguish. Basically, it occurs at night. This is due to involuntary contraction or muscle spasms in the legs. The pain extends to the calf, hip, and also rarely to the quadriceps and hamstrings.
Seizures can disturb people of any age. But most often spasms in the legs area are pregnant or elderly. Cramps run painfully, suddenly or with preliminary pricking, twitching of muscles or numbness. In the latter case, there is an opportunity to take action before the pain becomes severe. Other symptoms include swelling and tenderness in the affected area.
Today we will talk about first aid in case of cramps in the legs, and about the prevention of such spasms in general.
Walking and stretching to alleviate and prevent seizures
Physical activity is the best remedy for both cramping and prevention. If you feel that your leg is cramping, try to walk. Movement helps to get rid of spasm. Walking sends a signal to the brain that the muscles should contract, and then relax. This will ease their stress and overall discomfort.
As soon as the leg began to reduce – discard all the cases and stretch the tight area, for 15-20 seconds. Stretching alone should not cause pain, it is important to do it carefully, so as not to injure muscles and ligaments. Then you can massage your aching muscles. To reduce the likelihood of seizures at night, thoroughly mash them before going to bed. You can take an evening run, a 30-minute walk or at least 10 times to sit down.
In addition, it is important to try to exercise every day. Regular loads contribute to the proper functioning of the muscles, which in turn reduces the risk of leg cramps, especially at night.
Massage from pain with leg cramps
Massaging the affected area improves blood circulation of tissues, helping to relax strained muscles.
Image credit: massagenerds
The beginning of the massage can cause pain, but this is normal, it will soon pass. For the procedure, you can use olive oil or any other oil. Apply a little on the palm of your hand and massage the strained muscles along their arrangement until complete relaxation. After the end, wrap your feet with a warm towel, leave for a while.
Massage is absolutely not harmful and is repeated as necessary.
Apple cider vinegar, when cramps leg
Apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium, which helps reduce the frequency, intensity and pain of leg cramps. In addition, apple cider vinegar helps to control the balance of fluid in the body, preventing dehydration, which is a frequent cause of such spasms.
To relieve leg cramps, stir 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink. You can also mix 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar and honey from 1 tbsp. l. calcium lactate in half a glass of warm water. Drink this solution daily in the evening to prevent the problem.
Treating and cramping
The treacle, rich in calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6 and selenium, helps relieve tension in the muscles. This, in turn, reduces discomfort during the time when the leg cramps.
Mix 1-2 teaspoons of treacle with a glass of warm milk. Drinking can be done every day for a couple of weeks. Contraindicated is a drink for people suffering from diabetes.
Warm compress
Applying a warm compress to a place subject to painful spasms will help not only in their removal, but also will ease the pain. As a compress you can use a towel soaked in hot water. You can keep it until the pain passes. People suffering from varicose veins on their feet, it is important to consult a doctor before using the method.
Potassium in the food system
Deficiency of potassium in the body can trigger the appearance of cramps in the legs. Potassium is one of the electrolytes that work with sodium to maintain the electrical charge of cells. The corresponding electric charge in the cells helps to control muscle contractions and the overall functioning of the muscles.
When the potassium level is lowered, cells are not able to control muscle contractions – and this leads to leg cramps.
Make sure that your diet contains enough potassium-containing foods. Good sources of potassium are bananas, dates, apricots, grapes, cabbage and broccoli, as well as oranges, grapefruits, fish, pork and lamb.
Magnesium as the basis of vascular health
The appearance of seizures is often associated with a deficiency of magnesium. Doctors often recommend taking it to treat this problem in pregnant women. This mineral is essential for muscle health. It stimulates the excretion of calcium, preventing the appearance of seizures. In addition, magnesium helps the absorption of potassium, which is also important for the functioning of muscles.
In addition, magnesium helps the absorption of potassium, which is also important for the functioning of muscles.
If you often experience leg cramps, check the magnesium level in the blood. If a deficit is found – eat foods like pumpkin seeds, spinach, cabbage, almonds, avocados and bananas more often. Useful beans, tofu, soy milk, cashews, pecans, walnuts, potatoes with peel and molasses. For additional intake of food magnesium-containing additives, a doctor’s consultation is necessary.
Water as an integral part of a healthy body
Water is important for muscle health. Observance of drinking regimen is necessary for both a healthy person and a person suffering from convulsions. Dehydration often becomes the cause of their occurrence. To avoid this problem, make sure you drink enough water throughout the day.
Try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration and seizures. Along with water, eat more juicy fruits and vegetables.
Try not to drink too much tea and coffee, avoid drinking alcohol and carbonated drinks, as they can aggravate the condition.
Additional Tips
- If you start to suffer frequent cramps in your legs – be sure to see a doctor for the necessary tests and establish the cause. Eliminating the root cause is an important part of treatment and prevention.
- Eat more fermented foods.
- To improve blood circulation and prevent leg cramps, take 1 tbsp. l. brewer’s yeast per day.
- Low levels of vitamin B can increase the number and intensity of seizures. Eat eggs, meat of herbivores, fish, whole grains and legumes.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Ginger, chamomile or raspberry tea can serve as a means of preventing seizures.