Muscle cramps are an uncomfortable symptom characterized by painful and involuntary contractions of a muscle or part of a muscle. This is different from muscle contractions, a very mild, repetitive contraction of a muscle that can be seen or felt or not. But if you have frequent muscle cramps, and especially if you have other symptoms of muscle weakness or loss, it's time to see your doctor. Fortunately, there are several ways to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with muscle cramps.
Using a warm towel or heating pad on tense muscles can help relax them. Taking a hot bath or directing the stream of a hot shower to the cramped muscle may also provide relief. Alternatively, massaging the tight muscle with ice can ease the pain. Replacing certain nutrients, such as potassium, sodium and magnesium, can also help counteract muscle cramps.
Deficiencies in nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin D and certain B vitamins may increase the chances of muscle cramps. Eating Greek yogurt after an intense workout can help to replenish certain nutrients that can prevent exercise-related muscle cramps, as well as boost muscle recovery. If you're experiencing muscle spasms as a symptom of fibromyalgia, natural muscle relaxants, such as magnesium and cayenne pepper, may provide relief. By doing so, the motor nerves of the peripheral nervous system are activated to trigger muscle contractions necessary for normal muscle movement.In many cases, the best thing you can do is stretch the affected muscle and massage it.
There's no pill or injection that instantly relieves muscle spasms.In conclusion, there are several ways to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with muscle cramps. If you're experiencing muscle spasms as a symptom of fibromyalgia, natural muscle relaxants, such as magnesium and cayenne pepper, may provide relief.
