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Muscle
Cramps
These are spasms or tight muscles. Usually in the legs.
What to look for
a sharp, sudden, painful
spasm (or tightening) of a muscle, especially in the legs.
muscle hardness
twitching of the muscle
persistent cramping pains
in lower abdominal muscles
Sometimes occurring when a
muscle contracts with great intensity and stays contracted, refusing to stretch out again
(as is usually the case).
Causes
Muscles contract or
lengthen in response to our wanting to move. Imbalances in certain minerals as well as in
certain hormones, body fluids, and chemicals which allow this lengthening and contracting
to occur can prompt spasms and cramps. As well as this, malfunctions in the nervous system
itself can also cause problems.
Excessive physical activity
and hormonal imbalances depletes fluids (through sweat) and minerals.
Traditional Treatment
If you suffer from frequent
or severe cramps, see your doctor. And severe cramps in your chest, shoulders, or arms can
be symptoms of a heart attack; call immediately for medical help.
No medicinal treatment of
common muscle cramps is required. Massaging a cramping. For frequent or severe cramps,
your doctor will diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
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Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Herbal Therapies - An
infusion of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) may help improve
circulation and relieve leg spasms. An herbalist might prescribe Japanese quince
(Chaenomeles speciosa) for cramps in the calves. An
infusion of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) may help improve
circulation and relieve leg spasms. An herbalist might prescribe Japanese quince
(Chaenomeles speciosa) for cramps in the calves.
Aromatherapy - Try
using the following essential oils in a carrier oil for massage purposes. Use them
separately or in a blend (do not blend more than 3 together). Peppermint, marjoram,
lemongrass, lavender, clary sage, basil and ginger. (For more information see our aromatherapy
section) Try
using the following essential oils in a carrier oil for massage purposes. Use them
separately or in a blend (do not blend more than 3 together). Peppermint, marjoram,
lemongrass, lavender, clary sage, basil and ginger. (For more information see our aromatherapy
section)
Dietary
Considerations
Nutritionists recommend
taking vitamin E supplements to prevent night
cramps. You may also find relief by increasing your intake of calcium.
Personal Care
To relieve a typical cramp,
you need to make the muscle stop contracting, by physically either stretching it or
massaging it, or both.
Prevention
Drink 6 to 8 cups of water
every day. Be sure to warm up before exercising.
When to seek further
professional advice
you experience frequent
muscle cramps.
your muscle cramp lasts
more than an hour.
your cramp is in your
chest or arms.
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