How To Stop Muscle Cramps Fast?

Have you ever experienced cramps with extreme and terrible pain?

Have you ever been in a situation where the pain is killing you, and you do not know what to do? Then, you do not have to worry anymore! Here you will know what all measures can help you relieve your cramps.

Muscle cramps, also known as muscle spasms, occur when your muscles either involuntarily or forcibly contract and cannot relax. It is prevalent and can affect any of your body’s muscles. 

They can involve any part of a muscle or various muscles. The most common muscles prone to muscle cramps are the thighs, calves, feet, hands, arms and abdomen.

Table Of Contents

1. Scientific Definition Of Muscle Cramp

2. Causes Of Muscle Cramps

3. Symptoms Of Muscle Cramps

4. Remedies To Relieve Muscle Cramps

5. Foods That Might Relieve Cramps

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

Scientific Definition Of Muscle Cramp

They are painful contractions and tightening of your muscles. They are common, involuntary, and unpredictable. Although there are steps to prevent a muscle spasm and treat it when it occurs, those methods are not always reliable.

In other words, we can also say,  A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of your muscles. Muscle cramps can cause severe recurring pains. Although generally harmless, muscle cramps can make it temporarily impossible to use the affected muscle.

Long periods of exercise or physical labor, basically in hot weather, can cause muscle cramps. Moreover, certain medications and some medical conditions lead to muscle cramps. 

Causes Of Muscle Cramps

The exact cause of the muscle cramps is not known. Still, many experts believe muscle overuse, dehydration, muscle strain, or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp. In addition, some of the following conditions can be a cause of muscle cramps:

• Not doing enough stretching exercises
• Fatigue
• Exercising in the hot weather
• Lack of water intake
• Excess consumption of salts and minerals
• Involuntary nerve discharges
• Restriction in the blood supply
• Stress
• High-intensity exercise
• Sitting for long periods
• Overusing the muscles
• Standing or working on concrete floors
• Sitting improperly

Symptoms Of Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps can feel like a stitch on a body part which is extremely painful. You might see a twitch under your skin, which may feel hard to touch. Cramps happen without any reason. 

The muscles contract and take time and treatment for it to is expected. However, it is prevalent, especially in older adults and athletes.

Remedies To Relieve Muscle Cramps 

If you suffer from muscle cramps any day, specific remedies can help you immensely. Performing stretching exercises can help you get rid of muscle cramps.

Stretching

• Stretch the cramped muscle and slowly rub it to help it relax. 
• For calf cramps, try to put weight on your cramped leg. Bend the knee slightly. If you cannot stand, sit on the floor or chair and extend your leg.
• Try to pull the top of your foot on the cramped side toward your head while your leg is straightened. It also helps to ease a back thigh (hamstring) cramp. 
• First, use a chair to support a front thigh (quadriceps) cramp. Then, pull your foot on the cramped side up toward your buttock.

Apply Heat Or Cold

• Use a hot towel or a heating pad on tense muscles. 
• Take a warm bath or direct a hot stream onto the cramped muscle. 
• Alternatively, massaging the cramped muscle with ice may relieve pain.
• Massage your muscles gently with oil or pain-relieving oil.

Foods That Might Relieve Muscle Cramps 

It occurs when your muscles tense up, and you cannot relax them. While painful, usually, you can treat them yourself. One way to stop your cramp is to eat enough of these essential nutrients: potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium.

Also known as “electrolytes”,; eating electrolyte-rich foods can help relieve your pain because of muscle cramps. Here are free electrolyte-rich foods: 

• Banana 
• Sweet potatoes
• Avocado
• Beans and lentil
• Nuts and seeds
• Melons 
• Watermelon
• Dark green leafy vegetables
• Milk
• Tomatoes
• Oranges
• Coconut water

The Final Say 

Muscle cramps happen without any warning or symptoms; with a few steps, you can quickly and easily soothe them at that moment.

You can follow the preventive measures discussed above to eliminate muscle cramps. Muscle spasms typically last for about 15 minutes or slightly more than that. Still, if it lasts longer, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Note - Much scientific study on this topic is unavailable

FAQs

1. Who can get a muscle cramp?

A muscle cramp can occur to anyone at any time, whether you are old, young, passive, or active. However, it is prevalent to experience cramps while walking, sitting, standing, exercising, sleeping etc. 

2. How can you treat a muscle cramp?

A muscle cramp can strike anytime, anywhere. However, you can follow these five steps to relieve muscle cramps:

• Stretch the affected area.
• Massage the affected area.
• Stand up and walk around.
• Put on an ice pack, apply a heating pad, or take a warm bath.
• Take painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

3. When should I consult a doctor about my muscle cramp?

Usually, you can treat a muscle cramp quickly with home remedies. Still, if there is no relief, you can see your healthcare provider or doctor if the spasms are unbearably painful, happen frequently, or last for a long time.

4. What deficiency causes muscle cramps?

Muscle cramps are primarily a sign of magnesium deficiency. However, in a few cases, the lack of magnesium deficiency may even cause seizures or convulsions. Apart from magnesium deficiency, other electrolytes such as calcium, sodium, potassium and vitamin B12 can be a reason for muscle cramps.

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