Cramps - Effective Treatment For Cramps


by Paul Hata - Date: 2008-08-03 - Word Count: 500 Share This!

Cramps target the muscles of one person. So if a person has cramps that person will feel that unpleasant and painful sensation that is caused by the contraction of the muscles.It is caused by a number of factors. And some of the basic causes includes hyperflexion; oxygenation is not adequate, exposure to changes in temperature, dehydration, and low blood salt and low blood calcium.

Cramps that can happen in one person may be indicative of more serious health problems. For example it can be linked to pregnancy, kidney disease, thyroid problems, hypokalemia, restless legs syndrome, presence of varicose veins and it can also be a symptom of multiple sclerosis.

Treatment For Cramps
Cramps can be treated using different approaches. One popular mode of treatment that is used right now is thru massage. A soft massage on the affected part of the muscle can do the trick. Often when a soft massage is applied, it is suggested that the person should stretch the hands up above, breathe thru the mouth, stretch the muscle and at the same time applying heat or cold on the affected muscle.

Heat is often applied to the affected part since this can help improve blood circulation and makes the muscle more flexible. But the application of heat on the affected area should be done with moderation. Excessive heat or cold on the muscle can bring in cramps as well. It isn't suggested as well to pound the cramped area as this can increase the soreness.

If it has been found out to be the result of lack of water or salt the; this type of cramps can be best treated by drinking lots of water or by increasing the salt intake. Practitioners in the sports nutrition industry suggested that the intake of electrolyte drinks has an advantage over the intake of table salt and water. But there is no scientific basis for this claim. If it is due to varicose veins in the body then the treatment is through sclerotherapy, endovenous laser or surgery will help address the problem.

There is also one drug that is out in the market that can help in the treatment. This drug is the Quinine. But there are some issues with this drug and the US FDA has declared that the use of this drug is not recommended for the treatment or the prevention of cramps.

In order to address the problem, it's best to be pro-active about it. It pays to eat foods that are high in potassium content. Potassium-rich foods can help prevent muscle cramps. Some food items that could help include potatoes, bananas, broccoli, avocados, soybeans, orange juice and apricots.

Muscle cramps can also be due to the lack of Vitamin D. deficiency in Vitamin D can be partly attributed to a change in diet when people stay away from milk, decrease in sun exposure and the preference of children for cola over milk. If this deficiency can be addressed then the frequency of cramps can be reduced.


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Paul Hata is active in various community and social programs aimed at providing access to health,education and jobs to all.Access 1000s of affordable health,medical and beauty products here - EarlyPlanet.com and TradePlanets.com

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