How to Help Leg Cramps

Leg cramps can be a frustrating problem that can happen at any time but frequently occur at night when you're trying to rest. They can range from mildly painful to excruciating and are more common in midlife. Getting rid of leg cramps is difficult, so being proactive can be a great advantage. There are many ideas on what works and what doesn't; what works for someone else may not work for you, so keep trying until you find relief.

Here are some tips on getting rid of leg cramps, as well as preventing them.

Things You'll Need

• Heating pad Socks Vitamins and minerals (e.g., calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B complex) Apple cider vinegar Honey Tonic water Ibuprofen

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Instructions

Prevention

• 1

  Bedtime rituals:

  Drink a glass of tonic water before bed. The quinine in the tonic water may help prevent cramping.

  Before bedtime, drink 1 cup warm water with 1 tbsp. each of honey and cider vinegar mixed in.

  Take 400 mg ibuprofen with a full glass of water before bed.

  Wear socks to bed. Warm feet may make all the difference.

• 2

  Stretch your leg muscles early in the day and again in early evening.

• 3

  Drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day, as dehydration can cause muscle cramping.

• 4

  Consider taking supplements: calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin B complex. Cramps can be a sign of certain vitamin, mineral or electrolyte deficiencies. Check with your physician before adding these supplements to your diet.

• 5

  Tell your doctor about all medications and vitamins that you are taking; certain medications, such as diuretics, can deplete minerals and electrolytes.

Cures

• 6

  Keep a heating pad beside your bed, plugged in and ready to go, when you feel that you are prone to cramping. At the first sign of a cramp, apply heat and massage to the affected muscles.

  Apply a cold compress to the muscle, and then apply heat. You can repeat this until the cramp is gone.

  Soak a cloth in apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the cramp.

• 7

  An ayurvedic (alternative medicine) cure is to press hard on your upper lip.

• 8

  Get up and walk on the affected leg, stretching it out.