Research

The treatment of muscle spasms in acute cases is the immediate stretching of the affected muscle or the tensing of the antagonist of the affected muscle. In calf cramps, for example, the affected leg is stretched out and the toes are pulled upwards while the knee is pushed through completely. Regular passive stretching exercises can also help to improve night cramps, for example.

Slightly relaxing massages of the affected muscles bring relief and the muscles are relaxed and the blood circulation is increased. You should also make sure that the electrolyte balance is balanced and that heavy sweating during exercise is balanced by drinking plenty of fluids after exercise. When sweating, the body loses important salts in particular, which can then be replenished after exercise by drinking a glass of orange juice with a pinch of salt or an alcohol-free beer.

Cramps occur especially in older people in the middle of the night and are therefore particularly unpleasant. By stretching regularly before going to bed, night cramps can be fought well. Just three minutes of stretching before going to bed can achieve good results.

Magnesium can be the trigger for cramps, but also the antidote. As a tried and tested household remedy, it has been shown in studies to be effective only in pregnant women. In the case of muscle cramps after sport, its effectiveness could not produce a similar success.

However, magnesium does not harm the electrolyte balance and can therefore be taken without any problems. A simple means to relieve calf cramps is a stimulating footbath. The change between cold and warm water is very effective and stimulates the blood circulation.

The muscles are then better supplied and the muscle cramp is loosened and released. Incorrect footwear can also be a reason for calf cramps occurring more quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to recognize incorrect footwear and to remedy it with other shoes or insoles.

Anyone who frequently suffers from calf cramps has probably already resorted to preparations containing magnesium. Cramps can be caused by a lack of magnesium, in which case the administration of magnesium helps to relieve the cramp. Magnesium acts as an antagonist to calcium and thus prevents calcium-induced contractions.

To the chagrin of some sufferers, in some cases the symptoms do not improve, but the calf cramps persist. Magnesium deficiency is not the only cause of calf cramps. A lack of calcium can also lead to pronounced calf cramps.

In this case, it is more worthwhile taking calcium supplements, increasing the calcium intake in the form of dairy products or clarifying absorption disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, an increased phosphorus level in the blood can lead to painful calf cramps. The cause for this can be a malnutrition with foods such as fast food or carbonated beverages.

In this case it can help to change your diet and switch to healthier food. Too little liquid can lead to cramps, as can overloading of the muscles due to too much movement, heavy lifting, carrying or the extra weight of a pregnancy, which then weighs more on the legs. In all cases, it helps to protect the muscles and to start with moderate exercise and then to increase the workload.

Systemic diseases of the body can also manifest themselves through cramps. For example, diabetes can lead to disease-related nerve damage and thus to calf cramps, especially at night. Muscle diseases can also cause cramps that cannot be treated with magnesium. Other triggers of cramps can be circulatory disorders, taking medication and arthrosis. In general, a doctor should be consulted if cramps develop despite magnesium.