Cramps are involuntary and painful muscle contractions. They can affect athletes, the elderly and pregnant women during rest, sleep or after a voluntary muscle contraction. When they are temporary and easily relieved by stretching the affected muscle, they are called simple muscle cramps and are often benign. However, they should never be neglected since they sometimes stem from various conditions, such as kidney failure, Batten-Steinert syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, among others. Most of the time, they are the result of bad posture, muscle fatigue, dehydration, trauma or infections.
Cramps manifest themselves by involuntary and painful muscle contractions. Although it isn’t long-lasting, this sometimes unbearable pain mostly affects the feet flexor muscles, the arms and the legs, but can also apppear suddenly in the back and neck.
To get rid of recurrent cramps, resort to various homoeopathic remedies for an effective preventive treatment, such as Cuprum metallicum 15 CH combined with Magnesia phosphorica 7 CH. The recommended dosage consists of taking 5 granules of each of these remedies twice a day, in the morning and evening. For those who suffer from regular nocturnal leg cramps, it is advisable to turn to Cuprum metallicum 9 CH. The dosage involves taking 5 granules at bedtime for a duration of one month although, if it proves to be necessary, the treatment can be renewed. Finally, regarding those who suffer from skeletal muscle cramps, it is recommended to take 5 granules of Cuprum metallicum 5 CH every 10 minutes during the first hour, before taking three daily doses of 5 granules. Massaging the sore area with arnica oil speeds up the healing process.
Certain types of remedy are favoured, depending on the patient’s profile. Thus, elderly persons are advised to alternate between Nux vomica 5 CH, Plumbum 5 CH and Causticum 5 CH. Sarcolacticum acidim is particularly suitable for athletes. The recommended dosage is three daily 5-granule intakes after an active day. Finally, 5 granules of Magnesia phosphorica 15 CH are recommended for those subject to spasms, and are to be taken at the time of attacks.
Overly painful, persistent or recurring cramps require further medical attention, as is also the case when the care provided does not alleviate the symptoms or bring any noticeable improvement to the patient’s condition. If the cramps appear in the neck or back and are accompanied by a sensation of numbness or weakness, it is advisable to consult a doctor who will be able to prescribe the most suitable form of treatment.
Good to know: Today, homoeopathy is an effective alternate method for getting rid of different types of pain, including the ones resulting from cramps.