Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps are caused by anything that interferes with a muscle's nutrition,
oxygen supply, and ability to rid itself of carbon dioxide. The flow of blood
through a muscle brings energy food and oxygen and carries away the carbon dioxide.
The combination of energy food and oxygen within the muscle produces muscle power.
The byproduct of this chemical action is carbon dioxide. Which must be promptly
carried away if the muscle is to continue to function. Anything that interfere's
with the flow of blood through a muscle makes it susceptible to cramping.

Overweight, anemia, poor nutrition, varicose veins, or diseases of heart and arteries
may reduce the blood supply to the muscles of the legs. A person troubled with leg
cramps should get a complete physical checkup as a means of determining the cause
of his symptom.

WHAT TO DO

1. Include sufficient milk in each day's diet. Milk contains calcium, which must be
present in the body tissues if the cells are to function normally. Calcium, phosporous,
and sodium are particularly important. Though only one part of calcium to 10,000 parts of
blood is necessary, when this quantity is reduced by onehalf, the muscles become so
irritable that they cramp. A supplement of vitamins and minerals should be taken,
particularly vitamins B,C and D.

2. Develop a program of adequate physical exercise. For the person otherwise robust, walking,
climbing stairs, swimming, golfing, and tennis offer good opportunities to develop a
better supply of blood to the muscles.



Home Treatment For Muscle Cramps & Spasm

The easiest ways to deal with muscle spasm is to have a hot water or shower or do some simple stretch exercises. This will improve blood circulation and help the connective tissue around the muscles. Before you pump up those muscles, hit the showers, it would prevent any occurrence of muscle spasm.

Muscle spasm mainly happens due to calcium deficiency, so include calcium in your diet. You can find good source of calcium in low-fat dairy products such as yoghurt, skim milk and ricotta cheese. Before eating and drinking calcium rich diet, consult your doctor.

If you are prone to muscle spasms it may be because of the acids that interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium. Lessen the intake of acidic foods like tomatoes and vinegar. Inadequate supply of potassium to your body is another reason for muscle spasms. Increase your intake of potassium, eat good amount of bananas, potatoes, soya flour, bran wheat, ready-to-eat apricots, tomato puree and such.

Do not exert yourself by overusing your muscles. Take it easy for while and relax. Too much of physical exertion takes its toll on the body. Frequent muscle spasms could be the manifestation of this over exertion. If while doing some activity you get a muscle spasm, take a 15 minute break. This prevents muscle spasm in the long run.

Celery seeds have anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce arthritic pain and relieve muscle spasms. Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) can be used to treat muscle spasms. Hot and moist herbal packs are very useful in increasing blood circulation. It can treat painful areas by consuming tea or juices to soothe muscles and nerves.