5 Tricks To Fight Muscle Cramps
Are you looking for tricks to fight muscle cramps? You probably already know that these are involuntary contractions of one or more muscles in the body, generally located at the level:
- neck
- shoulder
- Lumbar area, near the kidneys
- Dorsal area, at the level of the shoulder blades
Muscle cramps can cause immobility, discomfort and pain in the affected area. Fortunately, they can be improved quickly if you know what methods to use.
In today’s article we present not one, but five tricks to combat muscle cramps. Hold them and implement them when you need them!
What is a muscle cramp?
A muscle cramp limits blood circulation, so that blood no longer enters the muscle cells. Thus, toxins accumulate in that area. As a result, the nerves send signals to the brain, causing discomfort and pain.
The only way to relieve the pain is to eliminate the contraction so that the blood can circulate normally again.
What causes muscle cramps?
Muscle cramps can have several causes, including:
- Forcing or overloading the muscle
- Make a major effort when the muscle is weakened
- Inactivity
- The fact that you stay in the same position for a long time
- Sudden stretches
- The cold
- An inadequate diet
- Insufficient water consumption
- Stress or anxiety
Tricks to combat muscle cramps
1. Do not force the muscle
The first thing you need to do when you have a muscle cramp is to avoid forcing the muscle or the affected area. Try to keep the area still to prevent other complications.
2. Shower with hot water
Hot showers are among the best tricks to combat muscle cramps, as:
- Relieves pain
- Relax the muscles
- Improve circulation
To quickly relieve spasm, keep the affected area under the flow of hot water for 5-10 minutes, twice a day.
3. Rosemary and clay
Rosemary has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties and helps improve circulation. In turn, clay relieves muscle pain. Both ingredients help treat painful muscle contractions.
ingredients
- 4 tablespoons rosemary (50 grams)
- 200 g of white clay
- 1 glass of water (200 ml)
Method of preparation
- Put the water and rosemary in a saucepan.
- Boil the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Let it sit aside for 20 minutes.
- Pour the liquid into a plastic bowl.
- Add the white clay and mix well until no lumps remain.
- Allow the mixture to stand for at least two hours.
Way of ussage
- Apply the remedy directly on the affected area.
- Let it work for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with hot water.
- Repeat twice a day.
For optimal benefits, we recommend applying a natural oil on the affected area after removing the mixture.
4. Stretches
Stretches are among the best tricks to combat muscle cramps, as they help the muscles to return to normal.
However, remember that it is not advisable to overload your muscles, as you could cause even more injuries. Careful!
5. Arnica ointment
Arnica has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, being the ideal remedy for relieving pain and muscle inflammation.
Apply an arnica gel or ointment directly to the affected area, massaging with gentle circular motions to relax the muscles. We recommend that you apply the ointment after taking a shower, 3-4 times a day.
How to prevent muscle cramps
To prevent muscle cramps, consider the following recommendations:
- Avoid forcing or overloading the muscles, as they also have their limits.
- Do not exert too much effort if your muscles are weak or at rest.
- Get regular exercise.
- Adopt a correct body posture.
- Stretch your body as many times as you feel the need to avoid sudden stretches.
- Take care of yourself when it’s cold outside.
- Adopt a balanced diet.
- Drink enough water.
If you follow our recommendations, you will quickly relieve symptoms and fight muscle cramps. If you do not notice any improvement, turn to a physiotherapist to help you treat yourself.
