Archive for August, 2009
Remedies For Leg Cramps
August 31st, 2009
Cramps in the leg, especially at night are associated mainly with with muscular overexertion, or dehydration and it may have something to do with flat feet too!
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When a painful, agonizing leg cramp strikes you, you want to know how to get rid of that leg cramp and how to prevent any more from occurring. There are a few conventional treatments you can try for yourself, and there is a great alternative treatment that is worth consideration too.
A leg cramp occurs when a muscle spasms with involuntary contraction. It is the familiar charlie horse – a painful knot in the calf, hamstring, quadriceps, or even foot. The agony can last only a few seconds or up to fifteen minutes … or more. Painful leg muscle cramps often occur at night and can disrupt your sleep.
How To Get Rid Of Leg Cramps
To prevent leg cramps you must stay hydrated, and follow a proper, balanced diet. These two things are important because the muscles in your legs must have an adequate supply of oxygenated blood and the proper amount of electrolytes. These are simply facts of the way we human beings are designed. When you lack in water intake and proper diet, your chances of suffering from cramps in your legs increases.
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- Neck and Shoulder Pain
Drink water. Eight glasses of water a day is a good guideline. Before you exercise, make sure you do some stretching and warming up before you go full-bore
into that basketball or tennis game, or even before you begin your workout walk.
Eat a healthy diet. This will help reduce your chances of suffering from leg cramps.
Consult a health professional as what should be included in your diet. To help prevent leg cramps, it is important have the proper amount of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes provided in your diet. Potassium is necessary to help fight against leg cramps. Potassium can easily be obtained by eating bananas, a very healthy food.
Sometimes, keeping hydrated and eating a healthy, balanced diet are not enough to keep leg cramps away. You may need something more.
Natural, safe, and alternative remedies are often very helpful in getting rid of leg cramps and lessening their symptoms. Natural remedies can be very effective in getting rid 
of leg cramps. Natural remedies are available for just about any malady you may suffer.
There are natural remedies for practically all ailments you may suffer from. A natural remedy is a natural substance or herb that is prepared, processed, or formulated for its medicinal properties using only natural substances. In contrast, most Western health systems are based on synthetically produced medicines.
Leg Cramp Away by Native Remedies is an alternative, natural, and safe treatment for leg cramps. It is a safe, non-addictive, FDA registered natural remedy containing 100% homeopathic ingredients selected to temporarily relieve leg cramp pain.
If you want to know more about how to get rid of leg cramps with Leg Cramp Away, then I recommend learning more at either http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-get-rid-of-leg-cramps or http://legcrampaway.blogspot.com/.
I’m a software developer who has developed two applications that help people manage their health. I have successfully sold this software over the Internet for over ten years. Health and wellness are passions of mine. I hope this information has been useful to you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_Hickory
More blog stories about cramping and cramp remedies here …
Cause of Leg Muscle Cramps and Feet, Treatment Options
Nighttime cramps are most common in the legs and feet and possible causes and treatments are various and listed here.
Some timely suggestiopns about how to get rid of the pain caused by night time leg cramps.
Natural Treatment for Leg Cramps
Leg cramp is an unpredictable problem in our life; it persists for a few moments but tends to damage all our normal movements for that small span of time.
Leg Cramp Relief | How to Stop Leg Cramps | Leg Cramping Remedy
For leg cramp treatment, supplements of calcium and magnesium should be taken. Other way to prevent leg cramping is to eat diet rich in milk, cheese and yogurt.
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Posted in Leg Cramp Relief | 
Tags: at night, cramp, get rid, how to, leg cramps, Leg pain, of, relief, relieve, remedies, remedy, treatment | 
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Sports Leg Cramping
August 28th, 2009
During a hard practice, game or match, an athlete might experience muscle tightness and cramping
If severe enough a muscle cramp can finish you from competition. What causes the cramps? Is there a cure?
What Causes Muscle Cramps?
Sweating more than usual through high sports activity may lead to the loss of essential mineral salts. Sweat is mostly water but contains many other compounds including sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and a host of other compounds. Muscle cramping is verty likely to be an inevitable experience for most runners and other endurance athletes
Muscle Cramps: Causes and Cures
Fluid and Sodium Factor
Although there are many causes of muscle cramps, large losses of sodium and fluid can be key factors that predispose athletes to run-of-the-mill muscle cramps. Sodium is an important mineral in initiating signals from nerves and actions that lead to movement in the muscles, so a deficit of this element and fluid may make muscles “irritable.” Under such conditions, a slight stress, such as a subsequent movement may cause the muscle to contract and twitch uncontrollably
Cramping Case Study
A case study* lends support to the theory. An elite tennis player was found to lose more sodium in his sweat during several hours of play than he consumed throughout the entire day. During intense play that resulted in sweat loss of up to 3 quarts an hour, the player knotted up with the cramps. Following physiological testing, it was recommended that the player add salt to his diet and drink sports drinks (Gatorade). This addition of sodium reduced subsequent cramping episodes. Whenever the player felt cramps coming on in a game, he drank a sports drink containing sodium chloride.
The cramps ceased.
Sodium Meals
After checking with a physician to rule out serious causes an athlete who experiences
muscle cramps after a workout might want to add sodium to meals. Given the popularity of low sodium diets, a sodium deficit is not out of the question when an athlete is sweating at high rates, particularly in the hot months of the year. Salty
snacks or an extra tap of the salt shaker will help replenish the mineral. Consuming sports drinks that contain an adequate amount of sodium is also a subtle way to replace sodium.
Gatorade contains 110 mg of sodium per eight ounces, the same amount of sodium in a glass of milk or slice of bread. This is an amount which helps replace lost sodium yet still meets FDA standards for being a low-sodium food.
Minding Your Minerals
For many years, players have attributed cramping to the depletion of potassium or other minerals like calcium and magnesium from the body. However, research indicates that these minerals are less likely to cause cramping. The amounts of potassium, calcium and magnesium in sweat are low compared to those of sodium and chloride. In addition, potassium, magnesium and calcium are easily replaced by the diet, so a deficit of any of these is rare.
Other Potential Causes
Diabetes, neurologic disorders or vascular problems could be a factor in cramping episodes. Also, anecdotal reports indicate that the use of certain dietary supplements such as creatine might increase the risk of muscle cramps. If cramps suddenly occur without a prior history, consult a physician to rule out more serious causes.
Players have attributed cramping to the depletion of potassium or other minerals such as calcium or magnesium. The current medical thinking doesn’t support this. Muscles tend to hoard potassium, calcium, and magnesium such that they are lost at
minor levels in sweat, compared to sodium and chloride losses. The diet usually supplies adequate amounts to prevent deficits that would contribute to cramping episodes. But further research may tell us otherwise
Preventing Cramps
Stave off cramps before they start by recommending athletes to follow these simple guidelines:
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated during exercise
- Replenish sodium levels during times of heavy exercise and profuse sweating with a sports drink like Gatorade
- Ensure adequate nutritional recovery, particularly for salt, and rest for muscles after hard training.
Quick Fixes for Cramps
When cramps strike during a workout or competition, take immediate action with the following:
- Stretch. Because cramps are often related to a change in weight bearing, stretching and non weight-bearing exercises are effective treatments.
- Massage the area. Rubbing the cramped muscle may help alleviate pain as well as help stimulate blood flow and fluid movement into the area.
- Stimulate recovery. Rest and adequate rehydration with fluids containing electrolytes, particularly sodium, will quickly bring improvement.
* Bergeron, M. Heat Cramps During Tennis: A Case Report.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition 6:62-68, 1996.
By CRAIG A. HORSWILL, Ph.D., principal research scientist, Gatorade Sports Science Institute (Barrington, IL)
You will find more info and resources on Leg cramping and leg cramp relief in the selection of posts below
A description of what leg and foot cramps are, how they come about and some suggestions of how you can get some relief. … The frequency of muscle cramps in the foot or leg is more amongst sports persons and aging individuals. Feet being the organ of maximum weight bearing, foot cramps are more common than any other muscle spasms in the body. What are leg and foot cramps? Foot cramps are jerky non-voluntary spasms in a muscle or a muscle group
Get Chiropractic Massage Treatment for Sciatica in Ybor City
There may be cramping, burning, numbness and tingling. The pain can be minimal to intense and can range from occasional to constant. It may be accompanied by weakness and loss of reflexes. Sufferers may find it difficult to go about … Chiropractic massage provides not only pain relief but a long term resolution of the underlying problems causing pain. For individuals who are not experiencing discomfort and are leading active sporty lives, chiropractic sports massage can help
A Pain in the Leg – Cramp Relief
Commonly used in Sports Massage, Physical Therapy, and stretching routines — Reciprocal Inhibition is defined as a muscle’s automatic relaxation response to accommodate the contraction of its opposing muscle. Basically, in order for one muscle group to … The icing on the cake with using the Reciprocal Inhibition technique was that there wasn’t any residual aching from the cramp. I experienced my cramp, relief, and back to peaceful sleep, all within a few minutes
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Leg Cramp Relief
August 23rd, 2009
Muscle cramps are no fun; They are painful and they immediately interrupt whatever you were doing
>> Leg Cramp Remedy, Leg Cramp Relief, Click Here
It can be even worse watching someone in pain and not knowing how to help relieve their pain. Furthermore, if you try to help by stretching their cramped muscle, you could actually be hurting them. There is a simple technique known to many massage therapists that will cause an immediate release of muscle cramps in a very safe way. It does this by tricking the body to release the cramp.
Simple technique: Instant Relief From A Muscle Cramp
The way to release a cramp in the back of the calf is hold the top of your partners foot down, then have your partner try to raise their toes and the top of their foot against your resistance. The cramp should release within seconds. Then you can gently massage and stretch out the cramp. To see a video clip demonstrating this technique, please visit my website listed at the bottom of this article.
Having your partner try to raise the front of their foot will cause the muscles on the front of their calf to contract. When one muscle contracts, the opposing muscle is sent signals to relax. This happens so that we don’t fight our own movements. The contraction of the muscles on the front of the calf will cause the muscles on the back of the calf to relax.
This technique can be used on any muscle in the body. You just have to have your partner try to stretch out the cramping muscle while you hold them to prevent the stretch from happening. For instance with a cramp in the bottom of the foot hold their toes down and have them try to raise their toes against resistance. If your partner has a low back spasm have them try to sit up while you hold their shoulders down.
The described technique only provides relief from a muscle cramp and does not address the cause.
The underlying cause of majority of muscle cramps is from a deficiency of calcium, magnesium, or potassium.
The muscle cramps that happen in the middle of the night are typically caused by a deficiency of calcium and magnesium. Sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, seeds and nuts, and seaweeds. Sources of magnesium include seeds, nuts, leafy green vegetables, and my favorite, dark chocolate.
Potassium deficiencies
Potassium deficiencies can also cause muscle cramps. Potassium is lost with the body fluids such as with sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and through the urine with diuretic drugs. Potassium deficiency cramps are more common after athletic events or after illness. Potassium can be restored with electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade, or with fruits (bananas, oranges), vegetables, soup broth, and juices.
When a small child or infant is having muscle cramps it can be a medical emergency. They have much smaller stores of potassium to begin with, and a deficiency will affect the skeletal muscles first before affecting the heart. Electrolyte drinks such as Pedialite can replenish the potassium.
With proper nutrition and the application of this technique muscle cramps should no longer be a problem.
The Healing Arts Institute, directed by Dr. James Mally, N.D., is one of the leading Sacramento massage schools. Initial training, continuing education massage classes and instructional training videos-DVDs such as the massage instructional DVD are offered for sale.
Originally published on SearchWarp.com for Rob Tendick Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Article Source: Instant Relief From A Muscle Cramp
Natural Treatment for Leg Cramps – Home Remedies for Leg Cramps
Leg cramp is an unpredictable problem in our life; it persists for a few moments but tends to damage all our normal movements for that small span of time.
Leg Cramp Relief | How to Stop Leg Cramps | Leg Cramping Remedy
For leg cramp treatment, supplements of calcium and magnesium should be taken. Other way to prevent leg cramping is to eat diet rich in milk, cheese and yogurt.
Keeping Yourself Fit: Leg Cramps and Miscarriage
Suggestions for Leg Cramps: fef 1. Eliminate spices. 2. Eliminate fats. 3. Eliminate alcohol 4. Eliminate coffee 5. Eliminate carbonated beverages from your food. 6. Drink milk before each meal to cover the stomach wall
Treatment for Leg CrampsHave you ever suffered from painful leg cramps and wondered about a natural home treatment for leg cramps?Well, there are a few things you can try at home, and there is a natural treatment for leg cramps
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Cause of Leg Muscle Cramps and Feet, Treatment Options
August 17th, 2009
Cramps are a sudden, involuntary, painful muscular contraction, sometimes also called a muscle spasm
It is a sudden pain that you get when the muscles in a particular part of the body tighten, usually from cold or too much exercise and which often happens at night. Let’s have a brief journey through foot and leg cramps…
Muscle Cramp:
A muscle cramp is an involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. There are varieties of causes and types of muscle cramp. Numerous medicines also can cause muscle cramps. Most of the muscle cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. Muscle cramps can be prevented also.
Foot and Leg Cramps
Cramps can occur in a skeletal muscle, but are common in legs, feet and muscles that cross two joints (e.g.: the calf muscle).
Cramps can involve part of a muscle or all the muscles in a group.
The most commonly affected muscle groups are:
(1) Back of leg/calf (gastrocnemius)
(2) Back of thigh (hamstrings)
(3) Front of thigh (quadriceps)
(4) Feet, hands, arms and abdomen.
The intensity of muscle cramps ranges from slight to severe pain. A cramp feels rock hard and last for a few seconds to several minutes or longer. It is common for cramps to ease up and then return several times before they go away entirely.
Causes:
The exact cause is not known, but experts think that it is related to poor flexibility of muscles, muscle fatigue or doing new activities. Other factors such as dehydration, depletion of electrolytes (potassium, sodium, calcium or magnesium), injuries, and inflammation and nerve damage can cause cramps. Cramps are more common during exercise in the heat because sweat contain fluid as well as electrolytes. When these nutrients fall below a certain level, the incidents of muscle spasms increase.
Athletes are more likely to get cramps when the body is not conditioned and therefore subject to fatigue. Cramps often develop near the end of intense or prolonged exercise or the night after at nighttime.
Treatment of Muscle cramp:
Muscle cramps usually go away without treatment. However if it persists then:
(1) Stop the activity that causes cramp.
(2) Gently stretch and massage the cramping muscle.
(3) Hold the joint in a stretched position until the cramp stops.
Prevention:
(1)Improve fitness and avoid muscle fatigue.
(2) Warm up regularly before exercise and stretch after it.
(3) Stretch the calf muscle.
(4) Stretch the hamstring muscle.
(5) Stretch the quadriceps muscle.
Leg cramps:
Leg cramps or spasms are a painful tightening of the muscles in the leg. Staying bed for long periods of time also can cause leg or foot cramps. Leg cramps can be recognized by the sudden pain or discomfort in a leg or foot and a tight or stiff feeling. Nocturnal night cramps occur during the night or while at rest. The cramps can affect persons of any age group, but they occur mostly in middle aged and older people. The exact cause of night cramps has not identified by the researchers. The problem is most likely with nerves controlling the muscles rather than with the muscles themselves.
Causes:
The cramps are caused by overexertion of muscles, structural disorders, standing on concrete, prolonged sitting, inappropriate leg positions, or dehydration. Less common causes include diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, hypoglycemia, anemia, thyroid, endocrine disorders and use of some medications. Low levels of certain minerals known as electrolytes have been linked to leg cramps. Certain drugs, pregnant women and dialysis patients often complain of leg cramps.
Treatment:
(1) When cramping occurs, try walking on the affected leg and elevate it.
(2) Stretch your calf by grabbing toes and pulling them upward towards your knee, especially with your leg extended straight.
(3) Take a hot shower bath or apply an ice massage to the cramped muscle.
Persistent or severe cramps are often treated with medication
Prevention:
To prevent cramping consider a regular use of electrolytes. Stretching your calves regularly during the day and at night will help. Prevent night cramps by stretching you calf muscles with wall pushups and applying a heating pad for ten minutes before going to bed. Keeping the blanket loose at the foot will prevent unnatural positioning of your feet which can cause night cramps.
Foot cramps:
A Foot cramp is the tightening or painful contraction in the middle of the foot and tries to crush the foot in a kind of vice. In many cases, the deep muscles in the foot actually knot up and contract.
(1) An overworked foot can be susceptible to foot cramps.
(2) Poor circulation of oxygen being carried to the foot.
(3) Lack of potassium.
(4) Dehydration.
(5) Changing hormone levels.
(6) Pinched nerves- caused when the electrical impulse from the brain cannot reach the muscles.
(7) Alcohol or tobacco use
(8) Nutritional deficiency.
(9) Environmental toxicity such as poison from factories, contaminated water.
(10) Chemical sensitivity.
Treatment:
(1) Slowly pull the foot away from the cramping position and
hold it there until the foot cramp disappears. Massage the foot for 5 to 10 minutes until feels better.
(2) Take a dose of aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve foot cramp.
(3) Elevate your foot to the level of your waist.
(4) Use moist heat on the foot cramp three times a day if it is chronic.
(5) Soak the foot in warm water.
(6) If necessary wrap the foot in an elastic bandage.
(7) If it is an athletic injury, apply ice pack but not directly.
(8) Stay off your foot and give a chance to heal.
(9) See a doctor if it is chronic.
My grandmother suffered from leg cramps and used a camphor block in her bed. I too, minus the camphor, suffered night leg cramps for the last 25 years usually one leg would cramp followed very quickly by the other leg.
Deal With Leg Cramps while Sleeping
The position in which we sleep – knees slightly bent and feet pointing slightly downwards, is supposedly conducive to leg cramps. This is said to be the basic cause of leg cramps while sleeping. The other causes of a leg cramps in bed …
Leg Cramps While Sleeping : Foot Cramps Causes And Remedy
You could take a spoonful of either, daily, to prevent those nasty leg cramps in the future. Roll up a few blankets or bed sheets and place them at the bottom of your bed before you sleep.
If you get leg cramps frequently at night, start a stretching regimen before bed. Try pressing your toes against a wall to stretch out the calf muscles; hold for 30 seconds, relax, repeat several times. CoQ10 may aid in relieving muscle
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Foot and Leg Cramps
August 14th, 2009
Leg and Foot cramps rarely interfere with our routine activities and shouldn’t be very worrisome. Yet, that specific span where one experiences foot cramps is particularly agonizing.
The frequency of muscle cramps in the foot or leg is more amongst sports persons and aging individuals. Feet being the organ of maximum weight bearing, foot cramps are more common than any other muscle spasms in the body.
What are leg and foot cramps? Causes of Foot Cramps
Foot cramps are jerky non-voluntary spasms in a muscle or a muscle group extending from few minutes to few days. The aggravated pain is because of the muscle contracting without effective shortening of the muscle. Spasm might leave the muscle sore even after the pain is gone.
Which are the regions of the foot and leg affected?
Inner arch of the foot and toes of the feet, especially the big toe. Other common leg regions affected are thigh and calf muscles.
What are the causes of cramps?
- Sedentary lifestyle leading to obesity and muscle weakness
- Flat feet or hyper flexible joints
- Injury caused by repetitive motion
- Lack of muscle strengthening exercise
- Sudden increase in the intensity of workouts increases the pressure on foot
- Increased breathing during cardio exercises cause lower availability of calcium in blood
- Poor blood circulation and hence lower supply of oxygen in the blood as seen in alcoholics and smokers
- Electrolyte imbalance pertaining to low calcium and potassium levels as well as high magnesium levels are related to spasms. Potassium imbalance disturbs the magnesium and calcium metabolism necessary for normal muscle contraction
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Inadequate hydration causes depletion of body fluids leading to cramps
- Hormonal imbalance can cause muscle cramping
- Foot problems like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis
- Old worn-out footwear
- Diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, illnesses of the nervous system, diabetes, tetanus and thyroid problems can also cause cramps.
What are the home remedies and medications for cramping?
- The leg or the foot region with cramp should be moved in a direction opposite to the cramp to relive the undue stretch on the muscle. To relieve the cramp in the toes, they should be turned upwards. If the muscle spasm is in the calf region, “forced dorsiflexion of foot” relieves the muscle contraction and pain within seconds. Here, dorsiflexion means elevating the fore-foot keeping the heel stable.
- Prescribed pain-killers can take care of the pain if severe. Natural pain relievers may be preferable
- Applying ice packs to the affected region helps in acute cases. However if the cramp persists for more than a day, warm water is recommended to reduce the muscle soreness.
- Affected area should be given adequate rest and an elastic bandage is used for compression that would promote quick healing.
- Massaging the cramped portion with ointment or massage oil helps reduce the muscle fatigue.
- Adequate supplements with professional medical advice is a must to correct the electrolyte and nutritional deficiencies
- The energy therapy EFT can also be instantly applied for quick pain relief on the spot
How can we prevent leg cramps and spasms?
- Reclaim physical fitness to avoid muscle pain
- Proper warm-ups and cool downs before exercising or playing
- Stretching exercises to increase the overall muscle strength
- Use of proper sports gear or exercise equipment reduces the chances of spasms
- Adequate hydration should be maintained with water and other liquids.
Know more about other causes of heel pain
- Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms and Treatment
- Heel Spurs as a Cause of Heel Pain
- Heel Pain Caused by Tendonitis
By Dr. Meenaz M
Leg Cramps While Sleeping : Foot Cramps Causes And Remedy
Foot And Nocturnal Leg Cramps. A cramp is caused due a sudden, painful, involuntary muscle contraction. When muscles in a particular area in the body contract, the sudden pain that you experience is a cramp.
All Leg And Feet Cramps messages
I have written about my son Steve’s leg and feet cramps and a couple of you advised him to use a bar of soap in his bed at his feet at night. He is doing this and it does seem to be helping some. He got Ivory soap
8 Ways To Read Your Body’s Warning Signs For Health
My own experience with leg and foot cramps at night is that I need to drink more water during the day, especially during the summer. I hope this may help you. .
If the quantity of these essential salts is a little too much or is not enough to maintain proper muscle functioning, severe leg and foot night cramps could be the result. A diet high in phosphorous
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Tags: causes, cramps, foot, leg, night, nighttime, of, relief, severe, spasms, what, what are, what to do for, why am i getting |
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Relief For Restless Leg Syndrome
August 11th, 2009
Is restless leg syndrome a rare and difficult to condition or a simple dietary deficiency that can be quickly remedied?
Do you have restless legs syndrome? Maybe you just think you do thanks to the advertising savvy of pharmaceutical companies who make millions exaggerating this rare condition.
Restless Legs Syndrome: Forget the Media Hype
They’ve been so successful, that it’s become an epidemic in a population of restless yet inactive people who may really just be suffering from a common mineral deficiency.
I’ll discuss that deficiency with you in just a moment. But first, I’d like to explain why you should avoid if at all possible the popular prescription drugs that are being marketed to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).
The main RLS drugs fall under the category of tranquilizers, sleeping aids and pain relievers — substances that are highly addictive and are only masking the true problem.
The worst of the batch is Requip (ropinirole) which plays with your brain chemistry in the way drugs for Parkinson’s disease and ADHD do — by increasing or decreasing your production of dopamine (which regulates most of your bodily functions).
In fact, Requip is so powerful, it is often prescribed to lessen the effects of Parkinson’s disease. “Hallucination” is listed under significant adverse effects of the drug.
Here’s what you really need to know about RLS but will not learn from any TV commercial. The most common cause is usually a simple deficiency of the mineral magnesium in the muscle cells. Treating restless leg syndrome can be a natural process
Magnesium is the key component that allows cells to absorb other minerals like calcium, iron and potassium that are needed by your muscle cells. Magnesium also allows your muscles to relax and even combats insomnia. These are three darn good reasons why this miracle mineral makes an easy solution for RLS.
One hundred years ago the average person consumed 500 mg of magnesium a day through their diet. Thanks to modern soil depletion, the average person is lucky to get 150 mg through food alone. Unless you’re juicing bunches of collard greens each day, supplementation is the best alternative.
I recommend taking magnesium in three forms:
Magnesium Citrate Powder: This may not absorb as well as the other forms but it still offers its own unique benefits. It also tastes the best. You can find a powdered drink mix called Natural Calm at most health food stores. It can be added to water for a fizzy soda-like drink sweetened with organic stevia.
Magnesium Oil: This is a combination of supersaturated magnesium chloride in distilled water. You can massage this into your legs. It’ll absorb through the skin into the muscles. Good sources of magnesium oil can be found at www.globallight.net and www.magneticclay.com.
Angstrom Liquid Ionic Magnesium: Scientists have found that minerals enter cells through extremely narrow channels about 5 billionths of a meter wide. We normally would rely on plants to break magnesium down to this size. The company www.123minerals.com however, uses a process that breaks down magnesium into a highly absorbable form to enter these narrow channels. Usually one 75-mg dose of angstrom magnesium will have the same effects of 750 mg of citrate.
You can’t overdose on magnesium (unless you have kidney failure problems) so take as much as feels good for you. If you’re prone to loose bowel movements, get most of your magnesium through the oil and the angstrom minerals. If you’re prone to constipation, you may prefer to focus on the citrate powder which has a slight laxative effect.
Your body was built to move and your mind to think. Sitting in front of the TV watching ads for RLS inspires neither physical fitness nor mental creativity. No wonder people are restless! Dose up on magnesium, get plenty of exercise and participate in projects that challenge you mentally. My guess is you won’t need any prescription drugs for RLS
Carolyn Dean, MD, ND is The Doctor of the Future and the author of 18 health books. She’s the medical director for the Nutritional Magnesium Association. You’re invited to receive a free subscription to her Doctor of the Future blog, join a 48-week Future Health Now! wellness program or schedule a telephone consultation at www.DrCarolynDean.com
How to Get Millions of People to Buy Into a Rare Problem
You can even find the non-profit Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation online at www.rls.org. But their obvious focus seems to be on increasing awareness of a condition “which severely affects the lives of millions of individuals.”
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder are characterized during waking by an irresistible urge to move the legs while awake, and involuntary leg movements while asleep. For people with a family history of RLS
Restless Legs Syndrome: A Common Cause of Painful Legs
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent and underdiagnosed condition characterized by: • An urge to move legs due to unpleasant sensations. described as “creepy-crawly,” internal itch or pain. • The urge to move legs increasing
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Muscle Pain Relief
August 9th, 2009
Leg cramps and muscle pains are very uncomfortable and need treatment as soon as possible
Muscle pain can be debilitating… Read about what the causes are and the methods for relieving them.
When 36 year old Aaron Powell, a software engineer by profession, woke up on Sunday morning and found that the muscles in his back and legs were killing him, he knew he would have to call it quits about joining his friends on the day long hiking trip they had planned. He knew what had brought on the pain in his muscles; he had been hauling furniture into the new apartment he had moved into, practically all through Saturday.
Muscle Pain Relief
While everybody experiences the occasional muscle pain or cramping some time or the other in their lives, for people who suffer from chronic muscle pain, it can be an incapacitating condition, with the quality of life deteriorating to a great extent. Muscle pain may be caused by a specific injury, or due to muscular spasms, or because it affects the soft connective tissues surrounding muscles such as tendons, ligaments, and fascia, or it could be as a result of a broader condition, like arthritis. It can range in intensity from aches that come on infrequently to disabling, chronic pain.
Usually, cramps and muscle pain are linked to overuse, physical exertion, injury due to exercise or dehydration and deficiency of essential mineral salts. In such cases, the pain tends to affect specific muscles, starting either during the activity or after it. Tension can also result in muscle pain.
In the United States, pain in the muscle is the second most prevalent reason for visits to the doctor. According to estimates, 80 percent of Americans experience muscle pain, of some type or the other, at some part of their lives or the other. People often push their muscles right to their limits, and sometimes even beyond that. If muscles are pushed to limits that are beyond their capacity, the fibers in them begin tearing.
In fact, severely overworked muscles can develop innumerable tiny tears. The body responds by repairing these small little tears, and this is what causes the familiar ache and tightness we feel when we get a muscle pain. While most of these just cause minor discomfort, others can result in permanent disability, especially when the back and neck are affected. While there are many therapies that can provide muscle pain relief, choosing amongst them is largely dependent upon the cause of the muscle pain, how severe it is along with its duration, and of course according to what the doctor prescribes or the patient chooses.
Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medicines
These medications, which include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, or Tylenol, are used to alleviate muscle pain. Certain nutritional supplements may also be advised in order to provide muscle pain relief. For instance, magnesium and calcium supplements are used for treating leg cramps that develop in the night. Enzyme therapy, containing bromelain, are also used to treat certain kinds of muscle pain.
Massage and Bodywork Therapies
Bodywork therapies are highly useful for providing muscle pain relief and restoring full body function. Massage, in particular, is often recommended to relieve tension and pain, which helps to increase blood circulation, thus bringing nutrients and oxygen to the muscles that are affected and also help to carry away toxic substances. If there is a strain in a muscle, a massage can prevent the shortening of the muscle while it heals.
Some of the other effective bodywork therapies are:
Reflexology: Pressure is applied to various reflex points on the hands and feet which helps the body to heal itself.
Shiatsu: This involves pressure applied with fingers to certain points on the meridians of the body, which improves circulation and eases pain.
Feldenkrais Method: In this method, new ways of moving the body helps to relax tense or cramped muscles.
Rolfing: Connective tissue and muscles are manipulated, which realigns the body according to the field of gravity.
Trained practitioners are required to perform these therapies.
Aromatherapy
In this therapy, essential oils from certain herbs and plants are used for muscle pain relief, along with any inflammation or spasms that may accompany it. The oils are usually applied with compresses or gentle massages. Some of them can also be added to warm bathwater. Some of the common essential oils used for muscle pain are: helichrysum, ginger, peppermint, marjoram, and thyme.
At-Home Remedies
At-home remedies like ice packs are also effective for relieving muscle pain, as are physical aides like wrist wraps and back braces, which hold bones and joints in their correct positions, thus helping to reduce strain being put on the affected muscles. Replacing lost mineral salts such as potassium and magnesium helps releive muscle cramps.
Exercises for Muscle Strengthening
Physical therapists or doctors also usually prescribe certain exercises, which help in increasing muscular flexibility and strength. A physical therapy course is also useful for educating patients about the importance of using ergonomic tools, like padded chairs, which help to reduce strain on muscles. Therapists also teach patients the correct ways of sitting, lifting, walking, or doing work that requires repetitive movements, in order to prevent problems in the future.
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Pain the back of my leg, just below the knee Pregnancy
I have had this pain all day, it is isolated to one spot, behind the leg on the top of the calf, just below my knee… Nothing I do has made it any better
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Quick, Cure For Leg Cramps
August 9th, 2009
Pain is a pain! And when it comes in the form of leg cramps it needs a quick remedy
Everyone seeks relief from pain. Read on for information about the treatment of leg cramps.
When I was younger I sometimes woke up with leg cramps and excruciating pain surging through my legs. Whenever this happened I massaged the leg and walked on it till the pain subsided. Various meetings with doctors proved that there was nothing wrong with me….Thankfully! Today, I would like to share the information I have gathered about the treatment of leg cramps with you.
Quick Cure For Leg Cramps
A pain that comes from a muscle in the leg is termed as a leg cramp. This pain usually occurs in one of the calf muscles which are located behind and below the knee and is due to a muscle spasm which occurs when a muscle contracts too hard.
Leg cramps last for a few seconds to a few minutes and usually occur at night, when the person is sleeping.
Leg Cramps – Who gets them?
These cramps are common in older people though many younger people have an occasional leg cramp too. It has been studied that about 1 to 3 people over the age pf 60 and about a half of the people over the age of 80 have cramps regularly. Sometimes these cramps occur everyday while in other cases it occurs at least three a week.
What are some of the causes of leg cramps?
Some of the factors that are said to contribute to the occurrence of leg cramps are:
- Dehydration
- Tiredness in the muscles
- Heavy Exercise
- Excess Weight
- Medications
- Electrolyte Imbalance
- Diabetes
- Sitting in the same posture for a long time
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Use of alcohol
- A decrease in the potassium levels
How can I prevent leg cramps from occurring?
To prevent leg cramps, you need to:
- Formulate an exercise routine and ensure that you build on it gradually. It is not advisable to have sudden increase in activity.
- Stretching helps relax muscles so it is important to follow a good post-work out stretching routine as this helps relax muscles and prevent cramps. Do not exercise vigorously just before going to sleep.
- Drink at least three full glasses of water every day as water is crucial in the prevention of leg cramps. Apart from water, make sure that you consume fluids in your diet before, after and during exercise.
- Include enough potassium into your diet.
How do I get rid of the pain caused by leg cramps?
In order to get rid of the pain caused because of a leg cramp you must:
- Massage the sore muscle.
- Gently stretch your leg and move your foot towards your knee, until you feel the calf muscles stretch.
- Go in for a hot bath or shower as this will help relax the muscle.
What is the treatment I can follow for leg cramps?
A massage and gentle stretching of the area that has been affected is usually the best method used to relieve an attack of the cramp. Though painkillers are not used for sudden attacks, it might sometimes be used to help ease muscle tenderness and discomfort which at times carries on for up to 24 hours after the cramp has gone away.
When do I consult a registered medical practitioner?
It is advisable to meet one when the cramps become a recurring problem. The doctor may advise you to have your blood analysed to ensure the levels of potassium and electrolyte are normal. He/she may also check you medical history and medications to ensure that they do not contain factors that contribute to the cramps in your leg.
By Rachna Gupta
Leg Cramp Relief | How to Stop Leg Cramps | Leg Cramping Remedy
Though the exact etiology is not known, nocturnal cramps in the leg are associated with muscular overexertion, structural disorders (like flat or high arched feet), and standing for prolonged periods of time or dehydration.
Nocturnal Leg Cramps Causes. Posted by avinash2157 on July 15, 2009. night time leg cramps. So what causes painful night leg cramps and what can be done about it? Waking up suddenly in the night with severe muscle pain in your legs
Can a Bar of Soap Relieve Nocturnal Leg Cramps?
There is considerable evidence–all unscientific–that going to bed with a fresh bar of soap may be the easiest route to a good night’s sleep for leg cramp sufferers.
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