12 Effective Cramps Home Remedies You Should Try

A muscle cramp occurs when one or more of the muscles contract involuntarily, and it is really painful, especially during nighttime. Although considered harmless, it is barely impossible for a person suffering from cramps to move the affected muscle. 

Aside from the pain a muscle cramp brings, a person can tell if a cramp is happening when there’s a bulging feeling in the affected areas. Muscle cramps usually occur in the arms, abdomen, feet, hamstrings, and at the back of the thighs, hands, lower legs, and calves. 

In addition, most muscle cramps heal eventually, but some have serious cases and need to see a doctor for medication. Seeing a doctor is necessary, especially when a muscle cramp causes a person to have swelling on the leg, skin redness, severe discomfort, and when home remedies don’t help with the pain. 

Some factors that cause muscle cramps are often due to old age, underlying medical conditions, dehydration, and pregnancy. Read on to see some of the home remedies for cramps:

Over-the-Counter Drugs

NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the main over-the-counter drugs (OTC) which help in reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Women with menstrual cramps usually use them. Examples of NSAID drugs are ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.

They help lessen the body’s prostaglandin production. NSAIDs aren’t as effective as oral contraception in lowering prostaglandin, but can help alleviate the pain, making them more effective. 

NSAIDs function by preventing prostaglandins, substances that stimulate your nerve endings and intensify pain when there is inflammation. Body temperature is regulated by prostaglandins as well.

NSAIDs are being used to help relieve the pain recommended for menstrual pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. NSAIDs tend to work quickly and have fewer side effects than corticosteroids, but before use, it is necessary to know some of their side effects and how to use them safely. 

Moreover, NSAIDs are OTC medications used to treat the inflammation, discomfort, and stiffness associated with arthritis. NSAIDs are frequently the first drugs administered to arthritis patients due to their affordability and accessibility.