Are muscle cramps getting in the way of work, sleep and other activities? These painful ailments are indicating an underlying issue. Sudden onset pain that causes taut, rigid muscles to contort for prolonged periods are muscle cramps, and they do not have to happen. Soothing the muscle with a gentle massage or stretching brings immediate relief. However, prevention is always a better option. Adding more water to the day, potassium supplements to a meal or simple stretching during prolonged office hours could all help prevent these painful episodes. In the event that the cramps continue, contact a physician.
Eight Glasses of Water
Eight glasses of H20 should be an essential part of the gasoline a body runs on. Even during sleep or a resting period, a dehydrated body will not function as well and muscle cramps occur. The by-products of action, lactic acid, cannot be released properly from the muscles without water. Lactic acid and other metabolites that linger in muscular tissue cause the painful cramps. The overall health of the body, especially muscles and joints, depends on water.
Take Those Vitamins
Eating the amount of food each day to deliver all the vitamins necessary for optimum health is next to impossible. Especially when a busy schedule puts a monkey wrench on dinner plans. Taking vitamins and supplements will deliver the micronutrients the body needs. Solving muscle cramps is sometimes as easy as adding in a potassium supplement to rebalance the body. Muscle contractions and extensions are fueled by potassium and sodium. A drop in either micronutrient disrupts regular muscle movements. Adding sweet potatoes, bananas and raw avocado to a daily food intake will increase potassium levels. Muscle cramps are the gentle nudges of the body saying it needs potassium or another micronutrient. Carefully listening to everything the body communicates will keep the painful reminders away.
Slow Blood Flow
Blood flow is always in a delicate balance. Any disruption will cause discomfort, especially to the outer extremities. A person’s age and activity level determine the healthy of blood flow throughout the body. A lack in blood flow creates oxygen deficiencies. The blood flow and oxygen help remove waste from muscle tissue. This build up of waste and lack of oxygen causes muscle cramps. Simple stretches before bed or to break up the workday will boost blood flow. Also adding a daily walk will increase over all health while staving off the muscle cramps.
The occasional muscle cramp is fixable via the aforementioned methods. However, if the cramps persist or become worse consult a physician or physical therapist. Daniel Baumstark and his associates at PhysioDC, a physical therapy boutique located in downtown Washington, D.C., offer physical therapy and other programs to help solve these annoying ailments.
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