When a muscle involuntarily and forcibly contracts and refuses to relax, you are experiencing a muscle cramp. Most often attacking the legs and arms, a cramp makes it painful for people to move their limbs. Cramping can attack any skeletal muscle. For example, when a cramp affects the calf, it is called a ‘charley horse’ – muscles afflicted by the cramp visibly show a hardening underneath the skin.

Causes and Symptoms
Skeletal muscle cramps are separated into four major categories, according to affected muscle groups and what causes the cramps: "true cramps, tetany, contractures, and dystonic cramps.

"True" Cramps: Persistent muscle spasms, injury, too much activity, and dehydration can lead to this kind of muscle cramping. When body fluid shifts, such as an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity from cirrhosis of the liver, is also a cause of muscle cramps. Low levels of potassium can occasionally cause muscle cramps.

Tetany: Activated nerve cells in the body can affect muscles, which can lead to spasms or cramps. Low levels of calcium and magnesium can also cause this type of cramp.

Contractures: A drastic reduction of energy chemicals within cells can lead to muscle fibers that are unable to relax. This type of cramp is uncommon, but is usually brought on by inherited defects.

Dystonic Cramps: Affecting a small group of muscles, such as the eyelids, neck, and jaws, this type of cramp occurs through repetitive motion. An example of this is seen in ‘writer’s cramp,’ which attacks the hands.

Muscle Cramp Home Remedies
An attack of the muscles can occur at any moment, especially if you enjoy brisk walking, running, and aerobic activity. However, if you are familiar with home remedies for muscle cramps, you can reduce the temporary discomfort, as well as prevent further incidents in the future. A couple of suggestions include:

Banana: According to the American Dietetic Association, an adult should receive about 2,000 milligrams of potassium on a daily basis. Sufferers of muscle cramps can ease symptoms by eating one to two bananas every day. The fruit increases the amount of potassium in the body with each banana containing 450 milligrams.

Vitamin Boost: There are a handful of vitamin deficiencies that can directly or indirectly cause muscle cramps. Make sure you are getting enough thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6) in your diet.

Calcium: A lack of calcium in your diet could lead to cramping at night. Counteract the threat by filling up on calcium-rich foods like broccoli, spinach, and dairy products such as yogurt.

Massage: Slowly rub the knots associated with tightened muscles in their natural direction to ease the pain of a cramp. Gentle massage encourages blood circulation, which provides relief for contracted muscles.

Hot Shower: When a muscle cramp strikes, soak in a warm bath or take a hot shower. Direct the stream of the shower onto the cramped area, which will help relax affected muscles.

Chamomile Tea: The amino acid glycine is found in chamomile tea, which is known to relax muscles. It is suggested to drink five cups of tea daily to relieve chronic muscle cramping.

Honey: To treat foot and leg cramps that frequently attack at night, regularly consume two teaspoons of honey with your meals.