We all suffer from the pain of leg cramp from time to time and there can be a number of reasons why this annoying and painful affliction occurs such as:

• Dehydration
• Over weight
• Hormonal imbalance
• Muscle Fatigue
• Over Exercising
• Abnormalities of the Nerves
• Disease of the Muscles or Nerves

Cramps can occur if we start a new and regimented exercise program for example and because we do not take enough fluids into our bodies and become dehydrated as a result. Drinking water before we start to exercise is beneficial, as is during and after the session. We need to keep topping up the reserves. It is important that our diets are nutritious enough to sustain the demands we place on ourselves. Make sure that the food we eat is rich in potassium and calcium as this will really help to be able to eliminate leg cramps.

When exercising, always take time to warm the muscles properly first so that they are relaxed first and this really does help to prevent cramp from setting in. If cramp does become a serious problem then having a hot shower or soaking in a warm bath is a wonderful way to soothe and relax the muscles.

When muscle cramps become really bad, use a cold pack directly onto the cramping muscle because this will help to ease the pain quite quickly. Alternatively, gently massage the muscle and ensure that you follow the natural direction of muscle; the contractions should start to ease off fairly quickly. Always listen to the body and be intuitive to your needs.

Leg cramps as uncomfortable as they are, can be avoided if we take the necessary precautions. Other self-help tips include:

Turmeric

Add turmeric to water and then heat. This will then make a thick paste which should be applied to the contracting muscles and covered with bandages. This will greatly benefit sore, tense muscles.

Increase Fluids

Remember to make sure that the body is kept hydrated at all times, plenty of fresh water throughout the day.

Meditation

Healing meditations work well on relaxing the body as a whole and boosts the potential for increased inner healing. Meditation helps eliminate stresses and anxieties and creates the ability to progressively relax the muscles at will and this can greatly help to ease the pain of leg cramp.

Magnesium

Magnesium is renowned for easing and relaxing the muscles so that cramp does not occur. Take 400mg.

Vitamin B Complex

Regular use of these Vitamins can help to prevent cramp from occurring. It can take 3-4 weeks however, before the benefits are experienced.