How to Soak to Prevent or Relieve Leg Cramps

When leg cramps sneak up on you, you may feel like there is no help in sight. With obvious causes including overuse and dehydration, leg cramps are also spurred by mineral depletion. Too little magnesium, calcium or potassium can all contribute to leg cramps, so be sure to get enough minerals in your diet. If you still suffer from leg cramps, mineral soaks will help your body absorb more magnesium, vital to calcium absorption, and can help restore cells to full function. Regular mineral baths will ensure optimum levels of salt in the body, which aids in the prevention and relief of leg cramps.

Things You'll Need

• Epsom salts
• Essential oils (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Seek the advice of a doctor. If you cannot identify a specific activity that is triggering your leg cramps, please see your physician. Cramps can be related to more serious medical conditions including diabetes, and all serious causes should be ruled out before self-treatment. There are also certain conditions including pregnancy which may contraindicate the use of Epsom salts for some people.

• 2

  Fill the bathtub with hot water as hot as you can reasonably stand. Hot water will allow the mineral salts to dissolve completely and will help sooth the cramping leg muscles.

• 3

  Dissolve one to two cups of Epsom salt in the water. At this time you can also add a few drops of your favorite calming or soothing essential oils. These oils will not directly affect the cramped leg, but will help you relax.

• 4

  Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. While soaking, stretch your leg muscles. Massage the sore muscles gently to help work out the cramp if you are soaking for relief rather than prevention. Massage increases circulation, so rub any areas where you tend to experience soreness if you are soaking for prevention.

• 5

  Pat your skin dry after soaking. Epsom salt does not need to be rinsed off the skin, so when you are through soaking simply towel dry gently.

• 6

  Repeat steps 2 to 5 as needed for relief. For prevention of leg cramps, start with soaking twice a week and adjust the frequency according to your symptoms.