Whether you are an active person or not, everyone has experienced a muscle cramp at some point in their life. While these are typically brief annoyances, for athletes or for those who regularly suffer from cramps, it is important to understand some of the best ways to naturally treat them.
Most of the time, muscle cramps can be sorted out through natural remedies or stretching exercises, but in some cases, it is important for you to see a doctor. For example, if your muscle cramps are not preceded by any rigorous exercise, if they happen regularly, or if the area around the cramp swells or becomes discolored. In most normal situations, muscle cramps can be controlled with a number of effective home remedies, which will be explained in greater detail below.
Muscle Cramps: Natural Remedies To Get Relief
The following are some of the home remedies that help in relieving muscle cramps.
Calcium
One of the most important minerals in the body is calcium. From bone mineral density to nervous system functioning, calcium plays a key role in all of our activities. In terms of muscle cramps, many specialists believe that calcium deficiencies are responsible for a large amount of these conditions, as a lack of calcium prevents proper muscle control and movement. Calcium-rich foods include leafy greens, cheese, almonds, and fish. [1]
Muscle cramps can be avoided by practising yoga regularly. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Electrolytes
There is a good reason why so many energy drinks advertise the presence of electrolytes, as these important minerals are essential for fluid transfer and muscle movement in the human body. The two primary electrolytes that relate to muscle cramps are potassium and magnesium, so if you are suffering from chronic muscle cramps, there is a good chance you’re lacking these nutrients. Magnesium is commonly found in nuts, beans, and grains, while potassium can be accessed in bananas and cantaloupes. [2]
Wintergreen Oil
If you want to eliminate muscle cramps quickly, one of the best topical applications comes in the form of wintergreen oil. If you spread this oil over your skin and allow it to soak into the skin, the active ingredients will positively impact pain and inflammation of the muscle, helping the cramp to unwind. Use this oil sparingly, as it is quite powerful but very effective. [3]
Heating Pad
If you apply heating pads to the affected area of a muscle cramp, it can induce blood flow to the area, which can re-oxygenate and hydrate the tissues, thus easing the tension of the cramp. Heating pads should be alternated with ice, in the first few hours following the cramp, particularly if it lasts for an extended period of time. [4]
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many different benefits for the body and is used for everything from improving the health of the skin to optimizing digestion. However, apple cider vinegar is also rich in potassium, which is essential for the release of muscle cramps. Potassium is important for fluid balance and transfer within the body, so consuming apple cider vinegar in small quantities can boost the body’s ability to ease tension in those cramped muscles. [5]
Clove Oil
Strong anti-inflammatory medications are often recommended for people who regularly suffer from muscle cramps, but another alternative is simply applying anti-inflammatory substances directly to the site of the cramp, such as clove oil. Not only do the active ingredients in clove oil lower the swelling in the affected tissues, but they are also analgesic in nature, thus reducing your pain. [6]
Stretching
Many times, people get a cramp in their muscles when they strain a muscle, and nothing will help you strain a muscle faster than not stretching. However, stretching can also be a treatment for a muscle cramp, as it will induce blood flow to the site of the cramp and relieve the pressure and tension of the cramp. Therefore, stretching is both a prevention measure and an effective treatment. [7]
Vitamin E
Many different studies have been done on vitamin E, as it seems to have an effect on many different aspects of human health. When it comes to muscle cramps, vitamin E is recommended because it has been shown to boost blood flow through the arteries, which can make it much harder for muscle cramps to form. [8]
Water
Dehydration is probably the most common reason for a muscle cramp. When your muscles don’t get the proper amount of water being sent to them, they are unable to function, and they lock up, resulting in a cramp. Flooding your system with water is a quick and reliable way to eliminate a muscle cramp, particularly when combined with the next remedy. [9]
Pressure
When you apply pressure to the site of a muscle cramp, that pressure can often induce more blood flow to the region, causing the muscle to loosen up. This can come in the form of a gentle massage, or simple pressure being put on the cramped muscle. Although many remedies are chemical or nutritional in nature, some solutions [10]
Pickle Juice
While this comes purely from anecdotal evidence, a number of athletes have praised the benefits of pickle juice for the prevention of muscle cramps. Supposedly, it gives a surge of energy and blood flow, despite its high salt content. This remedy can certainly be tried, but should only be pursued on an individual basis, if it is found to be successful. [11]
