Leg cramp 101

Leg cramps can be pretty painful but do you know what to do when they happen?

There is nothing worse than getting a leg cramp in the middle of the night. Thankfully there are ways to stop it.

What causes them?
Muscle cramps can be caused by a number of things including over exercising, switching from a high heel to a low shoe, when it’s cold outside or when you are dehydrated.

How to relieve them?
The best way to stop a muscle cramp when it is happening, is to stretch and massage the muscle. Try taking a warm bath to relax the pressure or place a heat pad on it. Alternatively, an ice pack can also help. Make sure you don’t put the ice pack directly onto the skin as it could burn it. If it is still there, try walking around or leaning against the wall.

How to prevent them?
Make sure you stay well hydrated and maintain a healthy diet. Stretch everyday and before exercising. Limit the amount of caffeine you consume.