The Painful Muscle Cramp

From time to time all of us will experience an involuntarily contraction of a muscle that does not relax...also know as a muscle cramp. Muscle cramps can occur at any time for several different reasons. Some common reasons for muscle cramps are dehydration, lack or depletion of specific nutrients in the diet (calcium, magnesium or potassium), compression of a spinal nerve,  improper or inadequate stretching before exercise and certain medications. As one ages, they tend to experience muscle cramps more frequently due to the lack of muscle mass which can cause the muscles to become over-stressed more easily.
Most muscle cramps will resolve on their own but there are some instances where you may want to consult with your physician. These include

• The cramp causes severe discomfort
• The cramp is associated with leg swelling, redness or skin changes
• If you are experiencing muscle weakness
• Cramps occur frequently
• You have no improvement with self-care
• Cramps are not associated with an obvious cause

Several home remedies have been found to be very effective in relieving occasional muscle cramps. Start with stretching and massaging the affected muscle followed by the application of heat.
Always try to remain well hydrated, especially during exercise and warm weather.  Read more about Home Remedies for Muscle Cramps.
As always if you are under the care of a physician for a chronic medical condition or are taking medications, confer with him/her before using any of the above home remedies.