Here’s a list!
Stretching or massage
Heat or ice
Leg cramps
Exercise-associated cramps
Period cramps
Contacting a doctor
FAQ
Summary
Stretching or applying heat or ice can help relieve a muscular cramp. For more persistent cramps, such as menstrual cramps, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief may help.
Cramps are involuntary contractions of muscles that can come on suddenly. The best method to relieve a cramp may depend on the type and the underlying cause.
Cramps can affectTrusted Source muscle fibers, a single muscle, or an entire muscle group. During menstruation, a person may experienceTrusted Source cramping pain in the abdomen, back, and legs.
Most muscle crampsTrusted Source stop by themselves before a person can take steps to treat them. However, if a cramp persists, people can usually relieve the discomfort at home.
This article offers tips for relieving cramps, including advice for specific types of cramps and when to contact a doctor about cramping muscles.
Stretch or massage the muscle
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Stretching and massaging an affected muscle or area is one of the easiest ways to relieveTrusted Source cramps at home.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), people can either gently rub the cramping muscle or hold it in a stretched position until the discomfort recedes.
Apply heat or ice
Another solution the AAOS offers is heat or cold therapy, depending on the type of cramp a person is experiencing.
For sore, tender muscles, they suggest applying cold packs. For tense, tight muscles, they recommend using heat.
Leg cramps
According to the AAOS, cramps are most common in the following leg muscles:
quadriceps, at the front of the thigh
hamstrings, at the back of the thigh
gastrocnemius, at the back of the lower leg
Leg cramps can vary in intensity from a slight twitch to severe pain and can be sore for several minutes. People may experience repeated cramps after the initial pain subsides.
The AAOS recommends that people stop whatever activity triggers their leg cramps and gently stretch and massage the affected area. If the muscle stays tense, people can apply heat pads.
Nocturnal leg cramps
Leg cramps at night, which often occur in the calf muscles, affect around 37% of older adultsTrusted Source in America.
People may be able to relieve this pain by stretching and massaging the calf. However, these cramps are often associated with underlying causes, such as depression or heart problems.
Exercise-associated muscle cramps
Exercise-associated muscle cramps happen during or immediately after strenuous exercise.
According to a 2019 articleTrusted Source, drinking pickle juice may reduce the duration of a cramp. The article’s authors suggest that pickle juice’s acidity and salt content may stop cramps by affecting electrolyte levels.
However, the researchers stress that their results came from electrically invoked cramps in a laboratory, so more research is necessary.
Period cramps
Dysmenorrhea refers to abdominal pains that occur duringTrusted Source menstruation. There are two types: primary and secondary.
Primary dysmenorrhea is cramping in the lower abdomen during menstruation with no other cause. Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs due to an underlying condition, such as endometriosis or fibroids.
Menstrual cramps can vary in severity. Some people may experience mild discomfort, while others can experience debilitating pain. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and more.
Treating menstrual cramps
Treatment options for menstrual cramps can includeTrusted Source:
heat therapy
moderate exercise
OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
oral contraceptive pills
People with secondary dysmenorrhea may need additional medical tests to determine the cause. Once doctors know what is causing the problem, they can tailor a treatment plan for the individual.
