Muscle cramps can usually be treated with simple remedies. Persistent cramps and those whose cause is not recognisable must be treated by a doctor.

 

 

You should also definitely see a doctor if uterine cramps occur during pregnancy, muscle cramps in the back or legs restrict your ability to move or abdominal cramps occur together with vomiting and diarrhoea.

 

Self-help for muscle cramps

Gentle massages of the corresponding area

Warm compresses

Stretching and extending the cramped muscle

Ice pack or heating pad

Alternating bath: sit in hot water for 10 minutes, then take a cold shower for 3 minutes

Whirlpool bath

Rolfing

300 units of vitamin E daily for leg cramps

 

Prevention of muscle cramps

You can prevent cramps caused by exercise by warming up well before training and cooling down carefully after training by stretching.

Stretching your calves before going to bed helps to prevent leg cramps at night: Stand about a metre away from the wall and support yourself with your hands on the wall. Keep your back straight. Alternate between pushing your legs back and pressing your heel on the floor until you feel a pull in your calf. Hold the stretch in the calf for 10 seconds, then relax.