Muscle cramps are an uncomfortable symptom characterized by painful and involuntary contractions of a muscle (or part of a muscle). From why they happen to whether pickle juice can actually stop them, here's everything you need to know about muscle cramps. Stretching is one of the best ways to prevent muscle cramps. Before and after any activity that requires extended use of a muscle, it's important to stretch.
If you're prone to leg cramps at night, make sure to stretch before bed. Additionally, if you experience muscle spasms as a symptom of fibromyalgia, natural muscle relaxants such as magnesium and cayenne pepper may help. Calcium is essential for proper muscle function, and a lack of calcium in the blood can cause muscle-related complications such as cramps and irregular heartbeats (1). Vitamin D is also important for muscle function, and a deficiency can cause muscle pain, spasms, and weakness (2).
Eating Greek yogurt after an intense workout can help replenish certain nutrients that can prevent exercise-related muscle cramps and boost muscle recovery (1). If you experience a cramp in the middle of the night, stand up and slowly put weight on the affected leg to push the heel down and stretch the muscle. If all else fails and you continue to have regular muscle cramps, consider getting regular massages to help your muscles relax. By doing so, the motor nerves of the peripheral nervous system are activated to trigger muscle contractions necessary for normal movement.
