6 Tips for Killer Leg Cramps

I woke this morning at 4 AM in AGONY. Muscle ripping cramps in both calves! At the same time! I tried to patiently wait it out and prayed for sweet release, while simultaneously uttering, “Why me?” in my best Nancy Kerrigan moan.

Eventually the devil’s grip released, but I was left sore and barely able to make those first few steps to the bathroom. Which left me thinking, WHY did this happen!? Follow along for my self diagnosis and tips to help.

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Was there a giant workout I was forgetting? A traumatic injury?  Any long travels or awkward positions? Nope. I hadn’t done anything drastic or made any major changes…

Except……my drinking (not the fun kind).

I have recently been giving up my soda and sports drinks for good ‘ol H₂O (health kick anyone?). And it hit me. Electrolytes! While I had been staying plenty hydrated the past week, I hadn’t been getting nearly as many muscle replenishing electrolytes. Water just doesn’t have the potassium, calcium and sodium that those other drinks do. That could be my culprit!

So now what? Whatever the cause, this was a pain I don’t want happening again any time soon, or ever. I’m betting you don’t want it either.

So here are some quick tips to avoid muscle cramps, and what to do if they strike:

1. Hydration. Drinking enough fluids throughout the day can help keep those pesky muscle terrors at bay. Add some electrolytes or salts too. Sports drinks, fortified waters, or oral hydration drops like Lyteshow can help.
2. Potassium. Grab a banana, or a supplement, and keep those potassium levels up to avoid major muscle cramps.
3. Staying active. Keep moving throughout the day. Take a brisk walk on your break, or after you’ve been in any single position for an extended period of time. Get that blood pumping!
4. Stretching. This is a good daily practice to keep those limbs from locking up, and also useful if they’re already stuck. Gently, oh so gently, stretch out the affected area until everything releases.
5. Massage. If those muscle cramps are already here, try massage to help loosen up the tightened muscle. You can also use warm or cold compresses to help ease any discomfort.
6. Pickle juice. While there is limited evidence to support pickle juices magical cramp healing properties (it may just be the added salt, i.e. electrolytes), pro athletes swear by this trick. So throw back a shot and let it work its pickle magic. And let me know how it goes!

Best of luck and happy uncramping my friends.