How to Alleviate Leg Cramps
Leg cramps are a painful and frustrating malady for many people. They plague athletes, non-athletes, pregnant women, people playing sports or people sleeping. A leg cramp can strike at any time and can leave you reeling in pain. There are steps to alleviate leg cramps as soon as they strike so you can be on your way to normal activity again.
Instructions
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Stay hydrated, especially if performing in athletic activities. If you are seized by a leg cramp while exercising, get some hydrating fluids into your system to help to alleviate the cramp more quickly, especially extended cramps.
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2
Stretch your leg as soon as the cramp begins. Stretch the affected muscle as far as you can for at least 15 to 20 seconds. Stretching will help to counteract the tensing of the muscle and will work to loosen the tightened area.
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3
Stop exercising or engaging in physical activity as soon as the cramp hits, and allow the tensing to pass. Continuing with any exercise or other activity can keep your muscles in a stressed state, increasing the effect of the cramp.
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4
Take a hot shower or bath, or massage your leg with a hot cloth while it is cramping. This soothing heat will help to relax the tensed muscle and should alleviate your cramp more quickly than just letting it end on its own.
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5
Massage the area of the cramp. Like using hot water, massaging your cramp will relax the stressed muscle until it loosens and the cramp is alleviated.
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