Leg Cramps

Leg Cramps

Causes of Leg Cramps

It is not usually possibly to pinpoint the cause of a leg cramp. Below are listed some of the various causes:

• muscle fatigue (from over exertion)
• too rigorous exercise
• not warming up muscles before (rigorous) exercise
• excess weight
• imbalance in hormones, and/or electrolytes, and/or fluid
• bad blood circulation or diminished blood supply
• nerve and/or muscle abnormalities

Symptoms

Leg cramps can affect any person at any age. However the elderly are more susceptible. Leg cramps normally happen in the calf muscle, quadriceps^[definition], and/or hamstring.

Home Remedies for Leg Cramps

• take chamomile tea about 5 times a day, for 2 weeks.
  To prepare the chamomile tea: put 2-3 teaspoon of chamomile flower to a cup of water. Bring to boil. Then let the flower steep for a few minutes. Strain. Sugar or honey to taste if desired. Drink warm.
• glass of lukewarm milk prior to going to bed (simple and effective remedy)
• Hot shower before bed. Bathe painful area in hot water as well for better ease.
• While you are on bed, stretch legs as far as you can and keep it in the same position for about half an hour if possible.
• Standing exercise (any time)While standing, push your heel onto the floor and bend your toes upwards. This is a good way to treat leg cramps.
• If you suffer from frequent leg cramps: Press your toes against the wall and stretch the calf muscles. Repeat this 15-20 times.
• Applying hot water bottle on the affected area is also beneficial in treating and curing cramps.
• Eating 2-3 bananas per day may also help a person relieve from cramps. Bananas contain potassium which is a helpful remedy.
• Take around 2 teaspoons of honey per day is also helpful.
• Increase the daily intake of foods rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium.
• Massage affected area with essential oils (lavender oil, rosemary oil, or eucalyptus oil). After, wrap the affected area with a warm towel.