What do you do when your leg cramps up?

Leg cramps can be one of the most painful and annoying experiences that a person can go through. We’re all hoping for an easy answer, but unfortunately, there isn’t always one. Fortunately, we have some tips here that might help alleviate the pain, or at least distract you from it.

The Cause

The first step on our cramp journey is understanding what causes them in the first place. According to MayoClinic, common factors include:

  • Overexertion during exercise
  • Dehydration
  • How much potassium and magnesium is or isn’t in your diet

Long story short: Your leg muscles are working too hard!

But…Why!

It’s important to know why this torture occurs so often; more than just strait-up #overuse (see table below).

Causes of Leg Cramps
Poor Nutrition (as previously stated)
Lack of Stretch Before Exercise
Infections Like Strep Throat!

Alright let’s break down these nasties.

Poor nutrition

Well I’ll tell you this – nobody likes a vegetable enthusiast until their leg gives out from lack of potassium or magnesium! Luckily spinach counts as well as avocado which basically means guacamole kinda rules!

Lack 0f stretching before Physical Activity

Sometimes ya’ gotta stretch those legs out before getting into work mode.. Ya feel?

Infection-related Muscle-constrictions? Whaaat.

Did anyone actually suspect strep-throat caused any kind o’ muscle issues around yer bod? Neither did I!

So now that we know what leads up to the almighty hamstring yelping like cheese under grater…

There’s no surefire cure for leg cramps once they hit – believe us when we say we’ve tried – but there are definitely some things you can try when they happen!


Re-position

Try to stretch the cramped muscle as much as possible; think Yoga-style arm over your head while pushing opposite heel forward.

Drink Lots of Water

Good job! Your body is letting air out of its tires and water (useful in a dozen other ways) helps assist with all sortsa mechanical functions through your system. It doesn’t really help mid-cramp, maybe after? But it will do good for those muscles post-terror (or strenuous activity).

The 1% Trick

This one’s the swell secret: If it seems like forever since that cramp has lasted…

… Tickle the area near where the pain was.

Sounds iffy, right? Yet physical therapists swear by this trick ’cause tickling disrupts nerve firings(Which could cause leg cramps). One thing`s sure.. You feel funny laughing at anything while wincing like ya got mustard-hot sauce on yer tongue eh?

Disclaimer: Laughter may not be suitable during crisis ^unless ^you’re ^a ^comic #naturally), although… When is laughter ever not acceptable?!

We figured you’d never ask [Editor’s note- we’ve only been doing every bit of pouring our hearts out]. Stop leg cramps before they occur, eh?!


Bananas!

Really though along with spinach, avocados get added to most lists because bananas aren’t everything! As previously mentioned potassium-rich foods in general are great; eggs turkey & fish lot both potassium and magnesium which keep dem’ legs limber towards any sporty or leisurely adventure ye’ anticipate embarking on~

Pre-Stretch Magnesium Wrap-Up

Stretch!! Stretching should partake within just about any exercise regimen period but what Mr(s). Fitness may neglect to tell you is the pre-gym magnesium rampage! Spinach, nuts are more ways for top-notch performance.

While You’re Still Exercising…

Hey hey you made it.
Whataya know exercises tips eh? :p

Strengthen Your Body

This might sound counterintuitive; especially if cramps already exist.. Look into working on hamstring-quads and calf balance (along with hips!) In time they’ll develop become much better-managed in addition to warmth all mixed up with lymph circulation dislodgin’ any evil attachin’ themselves on yer leg muscles.

Keep That Water Flowing!

Serious muscle fibers need sustenance. Drink water before and after exercise also helps create a comfortable environment chemically-speaking (as much as) possible of course!

If your own attempts aren’t helping, consider physical therapy. They serve a multitude of conditions including this one – no matter what kind of active or inactive lifestyle that one leads.

So there you have it friends: Steps for preventing leg cramps in the first place and treating them when they do happen.

Happy exercising 🙂

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