In
addition to causing you searing pain, leg muscle cramps can wake you up
in the middle of the night and disturb your sleep. Research has found
that these spasms tend to increase during the warmer part of the year.
Most of the time, this is caused by dehydration and the loss of
electrolytes, which can lead to spasms. Toxins from smoking and heavy
alcohol consumption can also affect the balance of electrolytes in your
body and increase the likelihood of cramping.
This
terrible pain associated with leg cramps can also occur due to muscle
fatigue or mechanical stress on the muscles, especially if you stand for
long periods or walk on hard surfaces. Sometimes the cramping is
triggered by medication such as diuretics, statins, or beta-blockers.
Discuss
alternative medications with your doctor to lessen this side effect. If
the pain worsens and the problem continues to the point of
debilitation, it’s best to consult with your physician as the condition
could indicate a more serious problem.
While
there are prescription drugs available, if the problem isn’t
persistent, you can cure these aches with some home remedies. If you
prefer to turn to the pharmacy for solutions, over the counter analgesic
balms or menstrual cramp medication like Midol or Pamprin are
effective. One to avoid is quinine, a commonly
prescribed remedy, which is extracted from the bark of Cinchona, a
rainforest tree. The FDA has found serious risks with this cure as large
dosages can prove fatal.
1. Drink water or Gatorade before bed
Heavy exercise and low fluid intake
can cause dehydration. Doctors recommend drinking water or electrolyte
filled drinks like Gatorade before retiring to sleep. Water naturally
relieves cramps and hydrates the muscles, while the mineral filled
drinks ensure your electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and
calcium are not depleted.
2. Place a bar of soap in bed This strange old wives’ tale is surprisingly effective and medical authorities even endorse it. Place a bar of soap between the mattress and bottom sheet. Experts speculate that it might be effective due to the emissions from the soap, or the gentle pressure that it puts on the muscle when you randomly toss and turn during the night.
Source: ba-bamail.com
2. Place a bar of soap in bed This strange old wives’ tale is surprisingly effective and medical authorities even endorse it. Place a bar of soap between the mattress and bottom sheet. Experts speculate that it might be effective due to the emissions from the soap, or the gentle pressure that it puts on the muscle when you randomly toss and turn during the night.
Source: ba-bamail.com
