A severe cramp in the leg is caused by a muscle spasm and is commonly referred to as a charlie horse. A person usually gets a charlie horse in the muscles in the leg like the calf, hamstring or quadriceps. These can be very painful.
Causes
Severe cramping can be caused by dehydration. You may also get muscle spasms when a muscle has been overused or is injured. Deficiencies in potassium and calcium can also cause muscle cramping. Irritation in the muscles can cause pain and cramping as well.
What to Take
Consuming one tablespoon of mustard is said to cure severe cramping immediately. Also keep a silver spoon next to your bed to apply to the cramped muscle to provide instant relief.
Other Remedies
Being dehydrated often causes muscle spasms. Make sure you are consuming 6 to 8 glasses of water daily to help prevent cramps. Tumeric and St. John's wort also seems to help in preventing severe muscle cramps. Potassium and calcium supplements can help to reduce the occurrence of severe muscle spasms. Also decrease the amount of sugar and caffeine in your diet. Other important vitamins and minerals that will help reduce muscle cramping are vitamin A, vitamin E and magnesium.
To Help Prevent Cramping
Keep bedsheets loose. If your sheets are tucked in tightly, this can cause your toes to point and the muscles in your legs to involuntarily contract, causing a muscle spasm. Doing water exercises can lightly work these muscles without overexerting them.
Tags: muscle spasms, charlie horse, help reduce, muscle cramping, muscle spasm