Try acupuncture to relax tense muscles.
Make sure you don’t have a magnesium or potassium deficiency—a deficiency of these two minerals is associated with muscle cramps; in this case, it’s advisable to take a magnesium supplement and eat bananas (for potassium).
Stretch your legs before going to bed.
Do water aerobics to strengthen your leg muscles.
Wear ergonomic shoes and avoid high heels.
What to do if you have cramps?
A nighttime cramp can practically paralyze you. Knowing how to properly manage a crisis can help ease and reduce the pain that follows. Here are some tips to help you better manage your cramps:
Sit on the floor and stretch your legs. Next, bend your feet toward your ankles and point your toes toward your knees. For a deeper stretch, you can pull on your feet.
Stand up slowly and walk around a bit; shaking your legs can also improve circulation.
Gently massage the cramped area using circular movements.
Make sure blankets and sheets are not so tight that they cause muscle contractions.
Take a tablespoon of yellow mustard to relieve your pain.
Place your foot on a cold surface: This usually relieves cramps.
Take a mixture of vinegar and salt in dill pickle juice: This usually relieves cramps within 2 minutes or less.
Breathe slowly and deeply, imagining your breath passing through the cramp. Then exhale slowly and imagine releasing the tension. It may sound a bit counterintuitive, but it’s a yoga technique that’s all about relaxing the painful area.
