Athletes can experience sudden, painful calf cramps.
Calf cramps can occur while playing sports, stretching or even while you sleep. The sharp, sudden pain of a cramp is an involuntary muscular contraction. The exact cause of cramping is unknown, but it is believed that dehydration, tight muscles and low mineral levels in the blood are contributors. Experiencing a calf cramp can stop in your tracks, so it is important to learn the techniques for quickly treating and relieving the pain.
Instructions
1. Stop moving immediately, and stand with your feet planted on the ground. Gently lift the toes of the cramping leg upward to gently stretch the area.
2. Hold your toes up in a flexed position for a moment, then release. Sit down comfortably.
3. Grasp your calf on either end of the muscle. One hand should be just below the knee while the other should be just above the Achilles tendon.
4. Apply a firm, even pressure to the muscle, and slowly bring your hands together until they meet.
5. Bring your hands back out to their starting position. Continue pressing into the muscle as you move. This might cause pain and discomfort, so adjust the pressure to your comfort level.
6. Continue drawing your hands back and forth along the muscle to massage the area and stimulate blood flow.
7. Apply an ice pack to your calf, and hold in place for 10 minutes. This will help relieve the swelling and pain.
8. Sip a sports drink. You might be suffering from dehydration or mineral depletion, and a sports drink can help you replace fluids and electrolytes to get rid of your calf cramp.
Tags: your calf, your hands, calf cramp, hands back, should just
