Similia Homoeo LaboratoryBlog Post

Finding your leg cramp solution: exploring the entirety of leg cramps:

Few things can jolt you out of a restful sleep like twisting, tightening leg cramps. If you've ever had one, you know what I mean. It feels like someone has grabbed onto each end of your muscle and twisted it into some new and exciting shape. They most often occur in the calves, but it is not out of the question to have leg cramps in your feet or thighs.

If you are one of the 60 percent of adults (and 7 percent of children) who experience leg cramps, you know how disruptive they can be. Sorry, ladies, but research suggests women are more likely than men to have leg cramps. As you age, your risk of leg cramping also increases. Roughly 33 percent of people older than 69 get them and once you are over 80, your risk increases to 50 percent.

Sometimes called a “Charley Horse,” the official medical term is nocturnal leg cramping. Medical professionals will tell you a leg cramp is the sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of the muscles in your leg. That uncontrolled (and unwanted) contraction can cause severe pain and make it nearly impossible to use the part of your leg where it's happening.

Listen to your legs: warning signs of leg cramps:

The major symptom of leg cramps is intense, excruciating pain in the leg. The affected muscle also feels harder to touch. The person is unable to use the leg while the muscle is actively cramping. Once the cramp passes, the muscle relaxes but pain and tenderness in the leg may persist for a while.

Most leg cramps occur in the calf muscle. It stretches from the back of your knee to your heel. However, it is not out of the question to feel cramping and tightening in your hamstrings (back of the thigh) or your quadriceps (front of the thigh).

More good news! Most leg cramps resolve on their own within 10 minutes. The bad news is, the pain and soreness from a leg cramp can last for up to 24 hours.

The pain can be restricted to one small area, or wide area or it can even be in the whole leg. 

You may experience a little pain (moderate) that is bearable, or the pain might be very severe. 

You might always have pain when you go on about your daily tasks, or you might feel pain only sometimes. 

Your pain might last for a short time (for minutes or days) or a long time (months to years). 

You might experience a dull pain or a sharp pain. 

You might feel burning, tingling or numbness in the leg. 

You might also experience pain in the lower back, foot and buttocks, along with leg pain.

Unraveling the mystery of leg cramps: root causes and solutions :

While most experts agree there is no absolute answer to the underlying causes of leg cramps, some have suggested triggers that can make them more likely.

Inactivity or insufficient activity. Our muscles are designed to work hard. They need to be stretched to stay healthy. Sitting for long periods can increase your chances of having nighttime leg cramping. This includes people who work in front of a computer or in an otherwise stationary position for 8 or more hours each day.

Over activity: Some people take the phrase “go hard or go home” a little too seriously. While it is admirable to get – and stay – in shape, there is such a thing as too much physical activity. When you go at it a little too hard at the gym, or engage in rigorous physical work for extended periods, you can almost bank on nocturnal leg cramps striking later.

Sitting improperly. We already mentioned that sitting too much is a recipe for disaster. Certain positions also make your legs prone to cramping later. Sitting with your legs crossed, or with your toes pinched tightly in high heels (we’re talking to you, ladies), can cause cramping.

Prolonged standing. Certain jobs and other responsibilities may have you on your feet for hours at a time. Unfortunately, this is another trigger for leg cramping. Sitting down for at least a few minutes each hour can help reduce the risk.

Pregnancy. Hormones shift and fluctuate throughout pregnancy, as your body changes to accommodate that little person growing inside. Pregnancy is a miracle, but it also is a major contributor to leg cramping. Chances for leg cramps increase during the last six months of pregnancy.

Certain medications. Statins (used to treat high cholesterol) and diuretics (used to lower blood pressure) are two of the worst offenders for causing leg cramping. Birth control pills and drugs to treat osteoporosis or asthma also can trigger them. Prescription estrogen, used by some women to ease menopause symptoms, is another common cause.

Drinking alcohol. Scientists suspected for years that consuming alcoholic beverages was a risk factor for nocturnal leg cramping. A 2018 study provided confirmation of their suspicions.

Soothe the pain: alleviate leg cramps with homeopathy:

Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is very holistic in nature. The goal of homeopathy is to focus on the causes of a disorder rather than just curing the symptoms. Homeopathic remedies do not yield any side effect unlike the conventional treatments. Apart from treating the symptoms, homeopathic remedies also help improve your overall wellbeing.

Homeopathic medicines for leg cramps work in a gentle and effective manner to alleviate the problem for long-term. These homeopathic remedies treat the root cause of leg cramps to bring about excellent recovery. There is a large therapeutic list of remedies to treat leg cramps in the homeopathic system of medicine. The most suitable homeopathic medicine among them is selected individually for every given case of leg cramps.

There are many homeopathic remedies that can be used to treat leg cramps. The remedies are focused on treating any underlying condition that may be causing these leg cramps, apart from relieving the symptoms. The first step of the treatment is to diagnose the condition, which is done by a trained practitioner. You will be asked questions pertaining to the cramps and your diet. Once the diagnosis is complete, the medications are prescribed based on the diagnosis.

Don't let leg cramps slow you down: effective remedies from Similia homeo laboratory to the rescue!!

Similia homeo laboratory's manufacturing unit and quality control lab is one of the best in India. When one's priority is obtaining remedies with maximum efficacy from a trusted source that's where Similia India's remedies stands out as the best option for homeopathic remedies.

Similia homeo laboratory uses best quality herbs imported from reputed sources for making its medicines. Strict and stringent protocols are followed during every step of medicine manufacture to ensure the quality and effectiveness.

Few of the key homeopathic remedies from Similia India that gives a relief from leg cramps are mentioned below along with their major indications:

Cuprum Met – Natural Medicine for Strong Cramps in Legs and Feet

Cuprum Met is a highly effective medicine for treating violent cramps in the legs and the feet. Pain in calf muscles of drawing or digging in nature may appear. The cramps and muscle contractions can be very severe. The feet may feel icy cold, along with sweating. Some other features include weakness and twitching in the legs.

Magnesium Phos – Natural Remedy for leg ramps appearing after exertion

Magnesium Phos is natural medicine for treating leg cramps appearing from exertion. The cramps appear in the calves and feet and may get worse during the night in bed. Magnesium Phos is highly useful for runner’s cramps or leg cramps in athletes. Acute leg cramps in the elderly are also treated well with this remedy. Apart from the above, Magnesium Phos is also well-indicated for leg cramps during pregnancy

Rhus Tox – Effective Homeopathic Medicine for Leg Cramps Relieved by Walking

Rhus Tox offers a natural cure for leg cramps that get better by walking. People who need Rhus Tox have cramps in the calves while lying in bed and while sitting, or after walking. In cases needing Rhus Tox, a midnight aggravation of cramps is also well-noted. Cramps in the feet that get better by walking also indicate the need for homeopathic medicine Rhus Tox.

Calcarea Carb – Effective Homeopathic Remedy for Leg Cramps at Night

Calcarea Carb is a natural medicine for leg cramps that appear during the night. The leg gets tightened with a hard knot in the calf muscles. Cramps may appear in the thigh, calves of legs, or the sole of the feet or toes. Extending the legs also leads to leg cramps.

Anacardium Orientale – Homeopathic Medicine for Cramps in Legs due to Walking

Anacardium is a natural homeopathic preparation made from the layer between the shell and kernel of the nut of a plant named Malacca Bean or Marking Nut. This plant belongs to the natural order Anacardiaceae. Anacardium Orientale is well indicated for cramps in the leg that appear upon walking. Lying down makes the cramps better. Apart from the above, Anacardium Orientale is also helpful for leg cramps that appear on rising from a seat. Tensive pain in the calves of the legs with sleeplessness also indicates the need for this medicine.

Causticum – Homeopathic Remedy for Leg Cramps in the Morning

Causticum is an effective homeopathic medicine for leg cramps that appear in the morning while in bed. Severe tearing and drawing pains are felt in the leg. Causticum is also indicated for cramps in the foot and Tendo-Achilles, especially upon stretching the foot. A tearing, beating, or boring pain in the lower leg and feet with every movement may also be present with the above features.

Sulphur – Natural Homeopathic Treatment for Leg Cramps from Stretching Legs or Feet

Homeopathic medicine Sulphur is indicated for leg cramps arising upon stretching the legs or feet. The cramps may appear in the legs, feet or toes. Cramps in the calves while dancing or when walking is also indicative of its use. A burning sensation in the soles of feet is present in most cases of leg cramps.

Ferrum Met – Natural Treatment for Leg Cramps at Night

Ferrum Met is another homeopathic medicine used to treat leg cramps at night when at rest. A painful, drawing pain appears in the legs. Cramps in the toes also appear with painful contractions. A person may also have a tendency to get easily fatigued by walking.

From restless to restful: home remedies and tips for a good night's sleep:

When a leg cramp strikes, the pain can be intense – you just want it to stop. However, the body’s natural reaction to pain is stress and anxiety, which causes further tension in the muscles and can make the problem worse. It’s important to try to relax and breathe through the pain. And, although it might be difficult, standing up to walk and putting weight on the affected leg may help the pain recede more quickly. Other tips include:

Stretching. Gentle but forceful stretching of the affected muscle can help resolve the cramp more quickly. For a calf cramp, hold the leg straight out and flex the top of your foot toward your face. For a thigh cramp, grasp your ankle and pull your leg up toward your buttock – this can be done while sitting or standing. If done standing, hold onto a chair for support.

Massage. Firmly massaging the sore muscle will increase blood flow to the area and help relieve the cramp.

Heat. Applying heat will also increase blood flow and relax the cramping muscle. Use a heating pad, hot towel or a stream of hot water in the shower.

Cold. The application of an ice pack (a bag of frozen peas works great) will reduce swelling and inflammation and help the cramp to resolve more quickly.

Perform lunges: Lunge forward with the leg that is not cramping, using the nighttime stretching movement we discussed earlier. Use the wall to balance yourself if necessary.

Walk on your heels: It may sound odd, but this movement stimulates the muscles opposite the calf, which can encourage the calf to relax.

Preventing Leg Cramps

Because the exact cause is unknown, there are no guaranteed ways to stop leg cramps from occurring. However, the following common-sense tips may reduce the frequency, duration and severity of symptoms:

Drink plenty of fluids, especially when active in hot weather.

Stretch your leg muscles frequently throughout the day and always prior to exercise.

Avoid over exertion in extreme heat or cold.

Break up long periods of sitting - get up to move around and stretch frequently.

Talk to your doctor about the medications you take and the possible benefits of vitamin/mineral supplements. Never stop taking your medicines unless advised to do so by your doctor.

Eat a well-balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight.

Wear supportive, well-fitted shoes.

Keep bed sheets and blankets loose around your feet so leg movements aren’t restricted during sleep.

Change your sleeping position.

Ride a stationary bike. 

Relief at last!!

Thanks for making all the way down reading this article. We have tried to provide you a lot of information and effective remedies for preventing and treating leg cramps. Let us get relieved from this pain in a homeopathic way. 

There may be certain dietary restrictions that you may have to follow for the medicines to work at their optimum best. This system of medicine might also require you to not carry out any form of heavy work that involves the legs as rest is required to boost the process of recovery.

Committing to a healthy lifestyle is a good first step to kicking those cramps to the curb. Quickly and safely resolving them when they occur is your second line of defense. Good luck!

Blog Prepared by

Noreen Naushad