How to Get Rid of Leg Cramps

Leg cramps can be caused by a number of reasons. Although checking with your doctor is the best way to identify why this is happening, try some of these easy at home ways of reducing the pain.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Plenty of water
• Calcium rich foods like milk, low fat cheeses
• Carnitine (a nutrient that can be found in tablet form at your local health food store)

1. Rub the area gently for immediate relief. Put your legs out in front of you and flex your foot toward the ceiling, slowly, to gently stretch the calf muscle. Elongate your leg to get the most from the stretch.
2. Keep leg pain from occurring by gently yet thoroughly stretching before exercise. Before beginning any exercise routine, consult your doctor.
3. Remember diet is also an important steps. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help flush toxins from your body. Limit sports drinks because they contain sodium which can aggravate cramping in some people. Also, foods high in calcium like low-fat milk, yogurt and cheeses have been known to help.
4. Know that studies show that the nutrient Carnitine is essential for muscular health. Although you can get it from foods, you would have to eat a lot of red meat, which isn't healthy. Check your local health food store for the tablets and follow the instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, the tips should only be followed if your doctor approves. She should be your first point of contact for chronic issues. Leg cramps can be caused by DVT, which are blood clots and should be address by a physician right away.