A muscle cramp is a feeling of painful tightness in your muscle. It is an involuntary contraction that makes your muscle feel sore and tender.
When we make use of our muscles, they alternately contract and relax. A muscle that involuntarily contracts without consciousness causes muscle cramps. A cramped muscle does not relax. And a visible hardening of the involved muscle is usually noticed. Muscle cramp occurs in almost every part of our body, but a common area is the lower extremities- the leg, feet, and most especially the calf.
Muscle cramps can last from seconds to an hour. They are mostly temporary and resolve on their own. It is common for cramps to recur numerous times. The cramp may involve a few muscle fibers, the whole muscle, or several muscles that function together.
Muscles under our voluntary control can cramp. Also, muscles that we cannot voluntarily control are subject to cramps. Muscle cramps can happen in several parts of our body. What appears to be a simple cramp can affect your physical and emotional health.
How To Get Relief From Muscle Cramps
There are several ways you can get relief from muscle cramps without medical attention. While some people use a warm compress or stretch it out, some may find that CBD oil eases their cramps.
CBD capsules has been touted as a natural remedy for muscle cramps. Over time, it has proven itself as an excellent anti-inflammatory. Although it does not directly soothe the tensed muscles, it may relieve pain associated with the cramps. CBD reacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate pain. To ease muscle cramps, click on CBD oil UK for links on how to get yours.
There are steps you can take to get relief from muscle cramps. They include.
- Stretch the Cramped Muscle
One of the best ways to be relieved of cramps is to stop any activity that might have induced the cramp and stretch it out.
Stretching the cramped muscle helps to stop the spasm and grants you instant relief. Relax the muscle and gently rub while you hold the stretch. If you have a calf cramp- stand on your feet, put your weight on the leg, and gently bend your knee.
- Apply Heat
Using hot therapy for muscle spasms can be very effective. Heat therapy helps to loosen up the muscles. Therefore it can help you get relief from muscle cramps.
To do this, there are a variety of options. You can take a warm bath, hot shower, or a heating pad for the cramped muscle. An ice pack can be used after heat therapy.
- Apply Ice
Another essential muscle cramp remedy is the use of cold therapy. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the cramping muscle. Remember to massage the area where your muscle is cramped with the ice pack.
For persistent spasms, use the ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Hydrate Well
Try drinking some electrolyte fluid to prevent or get relief from muscle spasms. The recommendations for the amount you take vary based on lifestyle, activities, or weather.
Dehydration usually plays a part in muscle cramps. Taking fluids helps your muscles to contract and relax. Your muscle cells also become less uncomfortable when you are hydrated.
- Massage
Massage can be an effective way to relieve muscle cramps. Use your hands or a roller to massage the cramped muscles to make them relax gently.
- Perform Light Exercises
Some light exercises that can help include walking, jogging at a spot, bouncing on a trampoline, or riding a stationary bike for some minutes.
Muscle cramps can be uncomfortable and temporary.
