Zee Media Bureau


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New Delhi: A muscle cramp is a very common thing. It can happen in your leg, arm, back or elsewhere. Since muscle cramps often come on suddenly, they can be quite painful, lasting for a few seconds to several minutes.


Quickly treating the cramped muscle can help ease the pain.


Here are a few ways to relieve your muscle pain:


  • Stretch the cramped muscle to stop the cramp quickly
  • Massaging the cramped area could help reduce discomfort too
  • Apply a warm towel or a heating pad to the area. This will help the muscle to relax and soothe the pain from cramp.
  • Take a warm shower or bath to relax the pain.
  • If heat therapy doesn't help, try using an ice or cold pack.
  • Take potassium rich foods such as bananas and oranges (cramps have been linked with low levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium).
  • Drink plenty of fluids as studies have shown that dehydration causes cramps. Always drink water during and after a workout.
  • Learn about the causes of cramps to prevent future painful episodes.