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Menstruation can be an uncomfortable time for most women, with aches and pains and nausea often upsetting the daily routine. In some cases, premenstrual stress can be severe and require medical attentions. Among the many problems that women face during their period, leg cramps is one of them

Menstrual leg cramps can begin a day or two before menstruation and last right through the menstrual period. While there are many over-the-counter pain medications that can help relieve the cramps, sometimes, it is better to opt for natural cures as these address the root of the problem.

Leg pain or cramps occur when the muscles contract involuntarily and do not relax; this can happen if the body is dehydrated or if there is a lack of nutrients and minerals. A woman’s body loses iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium during menstruation, and these nutrients are important for regulating nerve and the muscle functions. Also, certain hormones released during menstruation can actually cause increased pain and muscle spasms. Leg cramps usually occur in the feet, calves, and thighs.

Leg cramps or pain during menstruation can be recognized by a sharp pain while resting or exercising. The affected muscles might be stiff or hot to touch, and at times, harder than the rest of the surrounding muscles. The muscles sometimes twitch through the skin, which can be felt. The pain may subside after stretching, massaging the area, or applying heat to the area.

Home Remedies

Some of the home remedies for menstrual leg cramps are as follows:

• The first step is to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water every day. This ensures that you are not dehydrated, which can lead to cramping.  Coconut water and other fruit juices can also be consumed through the day to stay hydrated. Coconut water is excellent home remedy for leg cramps during menstruation as it supplies the needed minerals and nutrients lost as well.
• Bananas aid in digestion, which is affected during menstruation.  Bananas can be eaten to help reduce the lack of potassium and calcium. Bananas also replenish the electrolyte balance, and consuming them one every day is considered to good preventive measure for cramping.
• Ginger tea can be consumed with honey or lemon juice to relieve menstrual leg cramps. Ginger is rich in antioxidants and helps relieve pain and improve circulation.
• Chamomile is another home remedy that helps in relieving menstrual and leg cramps. Chamomile relaxes the muscles and helps alleviate pain all over the body.
• If you are anemic, it is important to eat an iron and mineral-rich diet; this ensures that the body is strong enough to counter menstrual and leg cramps. Based on your physician’s advice, you can take iron, vitamin, and calcium supplements to boost the system. You can opt for more vegetables in your diet to improve circulation, which will help relieve cramping.
• Boil one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in two glasses of water and reduce to one glass. Allow it to soak through the night. Strain the liquid in the morning and drink it. Do this on alternate days to help prevent menstrual and leg cramps.
• For menstrual leg cramps, keep your legs in an elevated position as you lie down on the bed. This improves circulation.
• Hot compresses work well to relieve aches and pains during menstruation.
• If you get shooting pain in the night, try standing up and resting your weight on the legs to help reduce pain.
• Medication also helps relieve menstrual leg cramps. If the pain and cramps are severe, consult your doctor to find out if there are other reasons causing the cramps.

Reference

1. H K Bakhru, Natural Home Remedies for Common Ailments, Orient Paperback, 2008.