What are Muscle Cramps and Spasms?
Muscle cramps are the condition that generally occurs during any physical activity that puts stress on the muscles of any part of the body. Some instances where muscle cramps are conducive are activities like running, cycling, playing many sports, or just standing for too long. The cause of this condition can be several, but it mainly triggers when there is a low or excess supply of blood in the muscles. Few cramps like “writer’s cramp” the muscle spasm can be triggered by the low level of calcium in your diet.
What are the Symptoms of Muscle Cramps and Spasms?
- The symptoms of muscle cramps are very common. Usually, people who have muscle cramps experience the following symptoms.
- Pain is the most common symptom of this condition. A person should experience moderate to high pain in the affected muscles.
- The muscles can also become weak, and you may feel numbness or a pin and needles sensation in the skin of that muscle.
- In some severe cases, a person may become temporarily paralysed since the movement of the muscle will be restricted due to the injury.
What are the Causes of Muscle Cramps and Spasms?
The causes of muscle cramps are widespread. Some of the most common causes are as follows,
- Dehydration due to lack of water intake is one of the most common causes of muscle cramps. Particularly when you are working out in the heat and sweating a lot that causes reduction of electrolytes and may lead to muscle spasm.
- Muscle fatigue due to too much working out can also be a major cause of this condition. So giving your muscles enough rest is important.
- Stress can also lead to this condition.
- Restricted blood supply or excessive blood supply to the muscle also can cause muscle cramps and spasms.
When to see a Doctor?
A muscle spasm or cramps are usually not a cause for concern. This is a very normal condition, especially for sportsmen and athletes. However, there are some instances when they might occur due to some underlying condition, for example, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, or liver cirrhosis. So getting it checked by a doctor if you experience muscle cramps frequently and without heavy exercise may be important.
Lifestyle Prevention of Muscle Cramps and Spasms
- Preventing muscle cramps is possible by following some simple preventive measures. Since the causes of muscle cramps are known, the prevention is also very straightforward.
- As we all know the muscle cramps are mostly caused by dehydration, drinking plenty of water is important. If you have a tendency to get leg cramps at night, stretch prior to bedtime
- Also warming up and stretching is very important before any strenuous activity which involves your muscles being stressed up.
- Avoid over-exercise and try to give enough rest to your muscles.
- Try to eat foods that are high in some nutrients, including potassium, sodium, and magnesium. This may help neutralize muscle cramps.
Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Muscle Cramps and Spasms
There are some Ayurvedic therapies using some herbs that are really effective on muscle cramps. Also some Ayurvedic oil massage is time tested to treat muscle cramp faster. Herbs such as Ginger, Ashwagandha, Amla, Nirgundi, etc are very useful for this condition.
- Ginger: Drinking dry ginger powder with honey is very effective for muscle cramps. Just add two tsp of ginger powder in a glass of hot water and then add a little bit of honey then drink it.
- Snehana (Oil Therapy): This is an external therapy which uses oil massage to heal the cramp. Ashwgandha infused oil is used to massage the sore muscles to loosen the knots and lessen bruising.
- Nirgundi (Five-Leaved Chaste Tree): Liquify one tsp of nirgundi powder or paste formulations in the water alongside some jaggery and drink this mixture 1 time every day.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
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