Muscle cramps occur when a muscle involuntarily contracts on its own. They can happen for a variety of reasons, but regardless of what caused them, they can be extremely uncomfortable.
Here are two ways to remedy muscle cramps.
Stretch It Out
As reluctant as you may be to stretch in the middle of a muscle cramp, stretching is one of the best ways to stop the muscle from cramping. Not sure how? Check out these 9 Muscle Spasm Treatments that are surefire ways to stop your muscle cramp.
Bring on the Heat
One of the best (and arguably most relaxing) ways to get rid of muscle cramps is to apply heat to the area. Healthline suggests using an old-school remedy like laying a warm, wet cloth on the muscle will help reduce the pain and eventually stop it from cramping. You could also take a warm bath with Epsom salts, which contains high amounts of magnesium, to help relieve the cramp. If stretching or heat is not effective for you, this article offers more tips on getting rid of a muscle cramp.
There are a variety of ways to remedy a muscle cramp, but the ultimate goal would be to stop muscle cramps altogether.
By staying hydrated and eating the right foods, you can take the proper steps to avoiding muscle cramps.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential to preventing a muscle cramp from coming on. Although there is no confirmed set amount of suggested daily water intake, the commonly held belief is that you should stick to the 8x8 Rule.
While you’re working out, your body needs water to perform at its highest level. Be sure to drink 8 ounces every 15 minutes, to make sure you’re staying hydrated in your sweat session. The more you sweat, the more water you lose, so if you’re feeling like you need some water, take a sip!
Eat Right
As the saying goes, “Eat good, feel good.” In the case of muscle cramps, it’s all about getting enough magnesium and potassium. According to the Harvard Health Letter, eating foods that contain high amounts of magnesium and potassium are instrumental in muscle cramp prevention. Some fan-favorite magnesium-rich foods include nuts, avocados, and leafy greens.
Foods like sweet potatoes, cooked broccoli, and cucumbers are extremely high in potassium. Need a little inspiration for your next meal? Check out these recipes, which are high in both magnesium and potassium.
No one wants to deal with a muscle cramp, but they can be a common occurrence, especially when working out. By remaining hydrated and having a healthy, balanced diet, you can reduce the chance of a muscle cramp happening. If you do end up with one, be sure to stretch and apply heat to reduce the pain and get rid of the cramp.
