Lets focus on the basic muscle cramp so that you know what to do, how to improve it, and how to prevent it. Cramps are involuntary spasms in muscles. They don't typically damage muscles but can be extremely painful and even debilitating. Have you ever been woken up in the middle of the night with a sharp squeezing pain in the back of your leg or in your toes ---those are cramps!
In most cases a cramp is best treated by gently stretching the muscle tissue, massage, and/or applying an ice pack/cold compress. If you are fortunate enough to know a Doctor certified in Quantum Neurology they have specific protocols/techniques to relieve muscle cramps. I am a certified Quantum Neurologist at this time and Dr. Ryan Beck will be certified as of November 8, 2014.
I want to give you some tips that will help you keep your muscle cramps to a minimum. Lets start with making sure you drink plenty (at least 6-8 glasses per day) of water. Another beverage you should add to your diet if cramping is Gatorade but it's best to mix it 1/2 and 1/2 with water and I typically recommend it after exerting yourself in a sporting event or exercise activity. Supplementing Magnesium is a key factor when cramping or when trying to prevent cramping. Peter Gillham makes a great tasting supplement called Natural Calm and we have it at our offices.
Now here are a few alternative methods that have really worked on myself as well as many others. Research has shown that pickle juice can help and has high electrolyte properties. Apple cider vinegar, tonic water, and quinine all have positive effects on cramps.
It's always better to prepare for the worst and know what you need to have so that when that cramp decides to show up you'll be ready or if you take the right precautions it should rarely happen at all.
