Cramps are powerful contractions of the muscles, frequently occurring in the legs and feet. A spasmodic muscular contraction could result in a lot of pain and discomfort.
Shin muscle cramps are involuntary contractions of the shin muscle that does not relax. The cramps can be extremely painful and can sometimes be accompanied with soreness and swelling.
What Causes Shin Muscle Cramps?
- Injury. Muscles protect themselves from injury by contracting. Movements will be limited to stabilize the injured are and the person will be forced to stop all his activities and rest.
- Vigorous activity and muscle fatigue.This causes depletion of energy stores that leads to cramping.
- Making a position or movement that shortens the shin muscles such as excessively flexing the toes.
- Dehydration. This causes electrolyte imbalance that alters the contraction and relaxation of the muscles.
- Low calcium, potassium, and magnesium levels in the blood. Since electrolytes such as calcium and magnesium play a role in muscle contraction, any imbalance can cause muscle cramps.
Home Remedies For Shin Cramps
Shin cramps treatment can be done at home. The following can be done:
- Massage the affected area. You can use essential oils or lotions like lavender, rosemary, or eucalyptus oil.After the massage, you can wrap a warm towel around the affected leg.
- Alternately extend and flex your feet or stretch your legs gently.
- Take a warm or a hot bath to help relax muscle. You can also roll a hot water bottle. Cover the bottle with a towel before using.
- A deficiency of potassium can result in cramps; therefore step up your intake of potassium rich foods – especially fresh fruits. 2 bananas a day will definitely help to treat cramps. Ensure an adequate intake of calcium and magnesium also.
- Water is essential, since, dehydration leads to water-electrolyte imbalance causing leg cramps. Drink 10 glasses of water everyday.
- After exercise or any vigorous activity. It is essential to consume some sports drink that will replenish the lost fluids and electrolytes.
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