Muscle cramps are common to people who participate in sports, but at some point in life, almost everyone experience having this painful involuntary muscle contraction. The most commonly affected part are the calf muscles and the front and back of the thigh. It may also happen in the arms, hands, feet, and abdominal walls.

The most common symptom of muscle cramps is severe pain that may be accompanied by soreness, swelling, and inflammation. A hard lump of muscle tissue develops beneath the skin in some cases that last from a few seconds to 15 minutes or longer.

In most cases, the cause of muscle cramps is unknown. However, it has been linked to the overuse of muscles while doing some kind of rigorous training or intense exercise.

Other causes include dehydration, poor circulation, muscle injuries, and a deficiency in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

In some cases, it may be the result of underlying medical conditions like restless leg syndrome, alcoholism, kidney failure, pregnancy, spinal nerve compression, hypothyroidism, and diabetes.
In treating ordinary muscle cramp, medicines are not usually required. However, to lessen the discomfort and speed up the recovery time, there are several natural ways you can try.

Here Are Some Of The Most Effective Home Remedies For Muscle Cramps

Start by massaging and stretching the affected area and apply heat to relax the contracted muscles.

1. Cold Compress

After the application of heat or after the pain has declined, use a cold compress on the affected muscles to provide complete relief.

The cold temperature will reduce inflammation, numb the pain, and allow the sore muscles to relax. Furthermore, once the contraction subsides, a cold compress can help reduce swelling by constricting the blood vessels.

How To Do It:

In a thin towel, wrap a handful of ice cubes and press in on the affected area for at least 15 minutes at a time. Repeat this process every two hours until the cramps subside.

You can also take a cold shower to relax sore muscles as another option.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw and unfiltered ACV can help relieve muscle cramps because of its high potassium content. In of the most common causes of muscle cramps is the deficiency of potassium in the body. Moreover, there are several nutrients in apple cider vinegar that can help control dehydration by controlling the fluid balance in the body.

How To Do It:

Mix one tablespoon of ACV in a glass of warm water and drink this mixture once daily to prevent muscle cramps.

In cases of nocturnal leg cramps, you can prevent this by mixing one teaspoon each of ACV, honey, and calcium lactate in one-half glass of warm water and drink this tonic daily, an hour before bedtime.

3. Epsom Salt

Another effective way to treat muscles cramps is by using Epsom salt. The magnesium contained in Epsom salt promotes healing and relaxation.

How To Do It:

1. Fill your bathtub with warm water.
2. Add two cups of Epsom salt and stir it thoroughly.
3. Soak in this bath for at least 20 minutes.

It usually takes only one bath to take care of muscle cramps. But if required, you can repeat this process the next day for a complete relief.

WARNING: Epsom salt must not be used by those suffering from heart problems, high blood pressure or diabetes.

4. Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses is a great remedy if your muscles cramps are linked to calcium and potassium deficiency. It is a very good source of potassium and calcium that can help maintain strong muscles and prevent muscle cramps.

How To Do It:

1. Mix one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses in a glass of warm milk or water.
2. Drink this mixture and will get relief from the pain within minutes.
3. Drink this solution once more if required.

You can also drink this solution on a regular basis to prevent potassium and calcium deficiency.

5. Yellow Mustard

Another surprisingly effective remedy in treating muscle cramps within minutes is by using yellow mustard. It may because of the acetic acid contained in them that promotes the production of acetylcholine in the body. Acetylcholine is an active neurotransmitter that stimulates the muscles to work, relieving soreness and pain in the process.

How To Do It:

Just take one teaspoon of yellow mustard for a quick relief. Follow it with warm milk as an option.

6. Clove Oil

The anesthetic components in clove oil can help reduce pain brought about by muscle cramps. It can also reduce swelling and inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

How To Do It:

1. Slightly warm some clove oil.
2. Apply it on the affected area.
3. Massage the area for five minutes using firm strokes.
4. Repeat the process if required.