Natural remedies for leg cramps can take several different forms. Leg cramps generally affect the calf muscles and feet.
Many people experience muscle cramps during the night, and they occur more frequently in older adults than in younger people.
Children will sometimes experience leg pain and muscle cramps often referred to as growing pains.
Muscle cramps are most often caused by an imbalance in the body's electrolytes - minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium.
A deficiency of vitamin E is another common cause.
Other common causes for leg cramps include overexertion, remaining in one position for long periods of time, anemia, tobacco use, inactivity, fibromyalgia, hormone imbalances, arthritis, arteriosclerosis (plaque buildup on artery walls), allergies, dehydration, heat stroke, hypothyroidism or vericose veins.
There are numerous natural remedies for leg cramps which have proven effective. The dosages listed here are for adults. for kids 12 to 17 years of age reduce to three-quarters of the dosage listed, and for kids ages 6 to 12 cut dosages in half.
Hyland's makes a product called "Leg Cramps w/Quinine" which many people have found to be very beneficial.
Another good product they put out is one called "Restful Legs" which helps alleviate leg twitches or jerking during the night.
Eat alfalfa, brewer's yeast, lots of dark green leafy vegetables, cornmeal, and kelp.
Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid dehydration. Drinking a large glass of quality water every 3 hours throughout the day will help flush out toxins from the muscles.
Warm up your muscles before any intense exercise, and be sure to cool down and stretch afterward.
Rub pure, unprocessed olive or flaxseed oil into your muscles before and after exercise.
Adding 25 drops of olive, flaxseed or canola oil to a hot bath and soaking can also be helpful.
Massage cramping muscles and use heat to relieve pain.
Taking a hot bath with mineral salts before bed will help increase blood flow to the muscles, often allowing for a better nights sleep.
Gently stretching the muscles that tend to cramp before going to bed can also be helpful.
Try some of these natural remedies for leg cramps, and you should begin to experience some relief soon.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.
Sources
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Garden City, NY.: Avery Publishing Group, 2006
Ritchason, Jack, ND. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia". Pleasant Grove, UT.: Woodland Health Books, 1995
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