Nocturnal leg cramps are something that many people experience. They are involuntary contractions of the calf, thigh, and feet muscles. They can be very painful and differ from restless leg syndrome. RLS isn’t as painful and it allows you to move your legs while nocturnal leg cramps last from a couple of seconds to a couple of minutes and you aren’t able to move your leg.
There are many researches about nocturnal leg cramps and there are more problems that cause them such as potassium, calcium, iodine, magnesium deficiency, dehydration, pregnancy, etc.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS THAT CAN HELP YOU TO REDUCE THESE CRAMPS:
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
You should avoid prolonged sitting and standing. Instead of that try moving more in order to relax your muscles.
STRETCHING
If you wake up with a cramp, try stretching your muscles in order to relax them.
ACUPUNCTURE OR MASSAGES
Massages and acupuncture will relax your muscles and this is the main thing that will help you to prevent these cramps.
INCREASE THE INTAKE OF MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is the most important mineral for a proper function of the muscles and therefore you should increase the intake of magnesium to prevent them.
Bananas, dry fruit, avocados, seeds and nuts are rich in magnesium so you should try eating these foods more. You can also prepare a homemade magnesium oil and massage your muscles with it before you go to bed. Boil a half of cup of water and add a half of cup of magnesium chloride flakes. Leave this until it cools down and put it into a spray bottle.
EPSOM SALT BATHS
These baths will also relax your muscles and they will help you to prevent nocturnal leg cramps. If you wake up in the middle of the night with a cramp, try massaging your muscles to improve the circulation.