Muscle cramps are defined as the sudden and involuntary contractions and tightening of your muscles. Though generally harmless, the involuntary and unpredictable muscle spasms, and at times painful, can make it temporarily difficult to use the affected muscles optimally. With areas of the body like the back of the calf, back of the thigh, feet, hands, arms or abdomen being some of the commonly affected muscle groups, you would not want the continuous, localised contraction of these muscles to affect your day-to-day activities. But if you do end up experiencing muscle cramps, being equipped with the knowledge of what caused it, the symptoms and preventative measures can do wonders in terms of pain management. 

THE COMMON CAUSES OF MUSCLE CRAMPS

The exact cause of muscle cramps is unknown. However, some researchers believe that inadequate stretching, overuse of your muscle, and muscle fatigue can lead to abnormalities in body processes, which in turn, bring about uncontrollable muscle contractions. Some of the other causes of muscle cramps can be linked to poor conditioning, exercising in intense heat, dehydration, and the complete lack of salt and minerals in the body. When your body is poorly conditioned, your muscles are more likely to fatigue much more quickly. This quick rate of tiring out can affect the activity of your spinal neural reflexes, which can later stimulate the muscles to keep contracting. 

There are also some risk factors that can increase the chances of one experiencing muscle cramps. These so-called risk factors that some people are predisposed to include tight and inflexible muscles, the presence of muscle injury, inadequate diet, or underlying medical conditions. Diseases such as Atherosclerosis and Sciatica can increase one’s risk of muscle cramps. The former, for example, is a condition that is characterised by narrowed arteries. This can reduce the blood flow in the body, causing cramps in the muscles.

THE SYMPTOMS OF MUSCLE CRAMPS

Muscle cramps can range in intensity, starting from mild and uncomfortable spasms to causing significant discomfort or even intense, severe pain. Regardless of the intensity of the cramp, it is classified as a sudden sensation of uncontrollable spasms in the muscles. If you take a closer look at the cramping muscle, it may feel hard to the touch or you might see a hard lump of muscle tissue or the muscle beneath the skin might look visibly distorted. A typical cramp can last for a few seconds to a few minutes, and then it may happen a few times before it goes away for good. Therefore, if you experience severe discomfort, swelling, or develop muscle weakness, this might be a serious case that requires medical attention. 

MUSCLE CRAMPS & PAIN TREATMENTS

As mentioned, most muscle cramps tend to resolve after a few seconds or minutes. Even though there has been very limited research done to determine the best treatment option, there are a few home remedies and solutions to try by yourself without seeing a doctor. Some of these include:

1. STRETCH THE AREA

When you experience a muscle cramp, you’ll first have to stop whatever activity you are doing that might have triggered the cramp. Later, take the time to gently stretch the cramping muscle and hold the stretched position for a while, till the cramp stops. Stretching will help lengthen the cramping muscle and alleviate the pain of the muscle cramp. 

2. USE HOT OR COLD COMPRESS

Applying heat to tense or tight muscles has always been the ultimate go-to solution to relieve cramped muscles. When experiencing a severe cramp, using an ice pack for a few minutes can help the muscles relax. Applying a hot compress, on the other hand, will increase the blood flow to the sore area. 

3. TAKE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATION 

If the home remedies just do not cut it anymore, taking some medications can be helpful in controlling the muscle cramps. But do note that you’ll need to have these medications prescribed by a certified medical professional – never self-medicate. 

4. APPLY TOPICAL PAIN RELIEVERS

You can also apply topical pain relievers to your sore muscles at the first sign of a spasm to ease the pain of the muscle cramps. From muscle rubs to muscle pain patches, there is a long list of options when it comes to choosing the best cure for muscle cramps. At Tiger Balm, we aim to deliver health and well-being through our muscle pain relief solutions. Some of the Tiger Balm muscle pain relief topical treatment options you can consider include:

• Tiger Balm Ultra: This pain relief ointment gives you fast, warm, comforting relief for joint and muscle pain, and other aches that are brought about by overexertion. The perfect solution for those who are looking for temporary relief of stiff muscles and minor aches, one application is all it takes. 
• Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch: Ensuring a clean and simple application of a patch, Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patches offer strong and targeted muscle pain relief for hours. 
• Tiger Balm Active Muscle Rub: If you have always experienced muscle cramps due to cold temperatures or because of over exerting yourself while working out, the Tiger Balm Active Muscle Rub is a pain relief balm that offers a warming sensation to soothe muscle aches and pains.

FIND RELIEF FOR YOUR MUSCLE CRAMPS WITH TIGER BALM

Muscle cramps can do everything from interrupting your sleep to affecting your ability to carry out certain tasks optimally. While it might be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of your muscle cramp, dealing with the pain can be a whole lot easier with Tiger Balm. From ointments for muscle pains to balms created from leg cramp pain relief and muscle rubs and creams, we have them all. Find your ideal Tiger Balm products at a retailer near you or buy them online today!