What to do when you get a leg cramp?
Stretch the sore muscle, follow your instinct, your body will automatically guide
you in the correct manner.
Massage the cramped muscle gently in the natural direction of the muscle. This
helps relax the contraction and ease the pain.
A hot shower or warm bath is a good way to relax the muscle.
Use cold packs on the affected muscle. This relaxes the tensed muscles.
For a cramped calf muscle, stretch and massage the leg by straightening it and
pointing the toes upward, towards the head.
Use a warm towel or heating pad to alleviate pain or tenderness following a
cramp.
Leg cramp:
Diet rich in potassium and calcium
Increase water consumption to stay well hydrated throughout the day.
Potassium and calcium rich foods will keep the level of these two much required
nutrients at optimum levels preventing cramping episodes.
Stay hydrated during work
Some preventive measures -
Dehydration causes leg cramps. It is especially important to stay well hydrated
during workouts.
Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercising.
Stretching prior to starting your exercise routine is extremely important.
Stretches help relax muscles and thus prevent leg cramps.
When beginning a workout regime, it is imperative that you do so gradually. A
sudden increase or changes in physical activity levels can cause leg cramps.
Keep rolled up bed sheets or blankets at your feet to prevent your toes and feet
from pointing downward while you are asleep. Riding a stationary bicycle for a
few minutes before bedtime could prevent cramps from developing during the
night.
Lethargy means feeling lack of energy, drowsy or tired. A lethargic person may
also feel sluggish, uninterested or inactive.