How to stop cramps in your feet and legs?
Are you getting frustrated with those painful cramps in your feet and legs? Do you struggle to get back on track due to the discomfort? Well, don’t worry anymore because we’ve got a few natural remedies which can help reduce the agony of these painful sensations.
First, Let’s Discover What Causes Cramps
Cramps are sudden contractions or tightening of muscles that usually occur unexpectedly. They can lead to significant pain or temporary paralysis. There are several reasons why muscle cramps occur including:
- Dehydration
- Excessive activity without proper stretching
- A nutrient deficiency like potassium, magnesium or calcium.
- Wearing uncomfortable shoes for prolonged periods
These tips will assist you in managing this unpleasant experience, so let’s dive into it!
Stay Hydrated Throughout The Day
When was the last time you drank water? Did you know dehydration causes all sorts of problems ? Crazy right! Ensure that your body receives enough fluids throughout the day as this is critical for healthy muscle function.
On average an adult should drink about eight glasses of liquid daily; however, whey protein isolates such as H2H Drink mix could be used upping protein intake required for sustaining active people who need more than just water but not quite a meal either.1 With adequate liquid intake, there’ll be less chance of swelling and constriction — two things that may trigger foot spasms.
If drinking plenty amounts isn’t currently working for you / consider low-sugar sports drinks! You heard us right! Research shows that less dehydration occurs when athletes consume quasi-isotonic carbohydrate electrolyte solutions compared / standard hypotonic fluids.2 Quasi what?? Don’t worry we’ll explain below:
Solution | Energy | OSMolarity |
---|---|---|
Hypertonic | > 8% | > 340 |
Isotonic | approx. 6% | ⤷ 290-310 |
Hypotonic | <5% or no added sugar/fructose | <280 |
When exercising moderately (less than an hour) the most effective way of hydrating is using isotonic drinks as they normalise rehydration rate and provide some carbohydrate fuel to energize muscles.3
Incorporate Warm-Up Exercises Into Your Day
Imagine you’re running at lightning speed without first doing some stretches— very risky! If you’d like to avoid muscle spasms, it’s crucial that you introduce a quick warm-up routine alongside your daily exercise regimen. It doesn’t need to be a whole workout in itself – just something sufficient enough / get blood flowing/ consider hamstring and calf-stretching!
To maintain blood flow through feet and legs, Plan ahead before beginning any sports or moderate activity by stretching out your calve muscles 4.Incorporate small walking breaks into long car rides/travel days where possible because prolonged sitting position may lead swelling especially if seated uncomfortably.
Massage Your Muscles
This part wouldn’t quite qualify as “torture”, but it might offer immediate relief from cramps – so don’t say we didn’ warn ya! Whenever experiencing those nasty pains / dip cozily into hot bathwater for extended soaking sessions with Epsom salts.( ‘Ya know the ones sold at drugstores’) This technique works best with swollen joints –but apply caution on broken skin cuts-especially salt shaved areas else ouchie!
While at it: why not give yourself or better still have someone who loves and cares about you massage all cramped points? A light massage goes far in circulation stimulation & endorphin release resulting in – improved mood[citation needed], enhanced & more relaxed breathing,[best citation here] [also] reduced inflammation at the pain spot. All thumbs and no one to help you out? Check in with an acupuncture clinic for a schedule of routine massages and stretching exercises
Adopt Proper Footwear!
Did yall know footwear could be fashionable and comfortable too?!
Considered switching those high heels / new flashy cleats after reading this article?? As mentioned earlier: uncomfortable shoes can contribute directly to a leg cramp!
Ensure that all special occasions consider matching appropriate shoewear, so as not cause unnecessary pressure or strain on your muscles. It’s common sense humans!
Investing in comfortable sporting trainers, orthotic inserts designed by reliable medical professionals goes far beyond preventing wear from excess pronation (inward ankle-roll), & supination (outward rolling): it reduces commotion caused during muscle use hence shielding joints and fibres unneeded activation.
To summarise here’s what we think would be useful for YOU!
- Drink enough water
- Stretch/warm up adequately before doing any physical activity
- Invest in good footwear – ask the experts.
- Eat foods rich in minerals – bananas, nuts , etc.
5 In case of anything seek professional guidance alone/else just like calling “Doc Brown”: right swipes are important when your favourite search engine fails!
The above holistic approach will go a long way towards mitigating infrequent symptoms while also safeguarding yourself against unforeseen situations ex fighting off ninjas. Remember that prevention is still better than cure — take care ahead of time to avoid problems later down the line.
Happy Feet-ing!
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3631667/ ↩
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743504002286#bib14]; ↩
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http://mist.ac.bd/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/11-04-Comparison-of-Hypotonic-isotonic-hypertonic-Solutions.pdf ↩
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https://www.verywellfit.com/easy-stretching-exercises-for-your-legs-and-calves-3432717 ↩