Drinking Water for Muscle Cramps

Drink water

A muscle cramp is the painful condition that occurs when a muscle contracts involuntarily and forcefully. Almost everyone experiences a muscle cramp at least once in their life, with the most common being a cramp in the calf muscle (a “charley horse”). Muscle cramps may be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, muscle fatigue, dehydration, and low levels of calcium, potassium or magnesium in the blood.

Drinking Water to Prevent Muscle Cramps

Method

• Be sure to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day to maintain proper hydration. If you are exercising, stop to drink every 15 to 20 minutes to prevent dehydration.

Why It Works

Dehydration is a common cause of muscle cramps, and replacing the water in your body can help prevent this condition. It is important to note, however, that water is not the only substance lost through sweat. Electrolytes, particularly sodium, is also lost in sweat and needs to be replaced. Fortunately, under normal conditions most of us can stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.

Precautions

In cases of severe dehydration, drinking water is not enough. Please consult your healthcare provider, as other fluids may be necessary. Also consult your healthcare provider if your muscle cramps persist, as they could indicate a severe medical problem such as thrombosis, fibromyalgia or embolism.

More Remedies

• Click here for all Muscle Cramp remedies