Best Remedies, Treatments and Supplements for Muscle Cramps and Muscle Pain

While OTC medications are going to be on the safer side since they are widely sold to the public without a prescription, that doesn't mean they come without consequences. Some individuals may still be sensitive to the ingredients that are used in these medications and it is important to understand your body and if you are one of these special populations. If you know your body well and understand your sensitivities you can better choose which products or methods may be the healthiest and safest for you. Additionally, while ingredients may be suitable for you, dosing may not. Some individuals cannot take full doses while others will need the full dosing in order to find relief.

When it comes to sensitivity to aspirin, for instance, these individuals may also have issues with most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which go by the abbreviation NSAIDs. Ibuprofen is in the NSAID category, naproxen sodium is as well. If pain relievers like opioids don't work out well for you, then it is best advised to stay away from NSAIDs.

If you aren't sure about if a medication will work for you, if the ingredients are suitable, or if the potency is acceptable you can always consult your health care provider. These professionals know your medical history, understand the complex physiology of your body and they also have access to any other medications you are taking which could also impact the OTC medications that would be safe for you to try.

Once you have identified and understand where and why you are having pain or discomfort, in addition to knowing what ingredients and formulations are safe for you to make finding the right products that will target your symptoms will be much easier.

1. If you have aches and painful swelling, ibuprofen is a good option. One group of pain relievers that are non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory also known as NSAIDs include ibuprofen. This is also a great option for headaches and it can even be helpful for inflammation and stiffness in your joints, or tense muscle discomfort. It is also helpful in lowering your fever. Not only can ibuprofen minimize pain and reduce swelling but it can also help you with your comfort level. As little as 200 mg per dose may do the trick, but if you need a bit more, you can take up to 400 mg in a dose. Should your pain continue throughout the day, you can take this medication up to four times in a 24 hour period.

Pairing with a meal helps this medication work more effectively. These guidelines are meant for adults, special populations like children, however, may have varying dosing, so please make sure to check the directions before giving to anyone that isn't a healthy adult.

Ibuprofen is not without side effects for some, and these can include abdominal discomfort, gas and bloating - and that bloating may manifest itself in belching. You may also experience indigestion and that can also be associated with flatulence. Nausea, as well as vomiting, may occur for instances in which your body is feeling effects of toxicity and needs rid the medication. Those with kidney problems should keep their distance from this medicine.

2. Most anything that causes your body acute pain can be relieved with the use of aspirin. It offers a general numbing ability and it can also be found in the NSAID category of pain medications. Used primarily for headaches as well as muscle tension and discomfort, this medication is able to additionally lower high temperatures associated with fever. For healthy adults, the range for a dose can be 300-600 mg. If you need more than one does in a day, you can take up to four doses in a 24-hour period.

Side effects associated with aspirin include digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. Other negative reactions could include head pain, an upset stomach that could also include committing. Bloating and gas are often associated with negative side effects. Children under 19 should avoid it. Reye's Syndrom has been associated with the use of aspirin in younger children. Those with asthma should be careful of its use due to potential allergic reactions or increased severity of asthma symptoms.

3. Extended relief of pain symptoms can be alleviated with the use of naproxen sodium. Yet another NSAID, this one will also help with pain discomfort and swelling. Great for those suffering from pain that occurs as a result of conditions like arthritis or sprains. Even the sting of sunburn can be quelled. Debilitating menstrual cramps may also be subdued with this medication. Because of it's the ability to last a longer amount of time, you may end up taking less in dosage and amount per day than you would with other pain relievers. Healthy adults are looking at either 250 mg, 375 mg, or 500 mg doses. As long as these doses are taken at evenly spaced increments, you can have two rounds in one day.

Like many of hte other options stomach discomfort with associated constipation, diarrhea, and gas can result in side effects.
Additionally, be aware of heartburn, upset stomach, and vomiting. Some individuals may lose balance and become dizzy.

4. Need to stay away from NSAIDs but still need effective relief? You need to get your hands on acetaminophen. This analgesic can relieve pain but it is not helpful for the reduction of inflammation. For this reason, it is not as effective for muscle cramps and pain or sprains. It is much better geared towards the relief of symptoms associated with osteoarthritis particularly in those at an advanced age. Nerve and stomach pains are also effectively treated with this option.

You should take this medication with water and at the intervals that are advised by either your doctor or are indicated in the directions. Side effects can include nausea and head pain.

Always make sure to read the labels and understand the active ingredients which make up the medicines so you can avoid potential overdose which can be deadly.

Combining medications is never recommended unless your physician is giving you the dosing and the directions to do so, do not combine ingredients alone. There could be overlapping in the ingredients from one product to the next. This could result in accidental overdoses if you aren't careful.

An example of this would be taking a dose of Motrin followed by a dose of Advil simultaneously. Both of these medicines are ibuprofen and they just come to you with differing brand names. Another example is taking Alka-Seltzer with aspirin thinking that they are both different is a complete mistake because you may not know this but Alka-Seltzer has aspirin formulated in it.

Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen in your system simultaneously. Should you have the need to take baby aspirin for heart issues, this could be one exception.

There are some common conditions that limit the use of OTC medications certain individuals and special populations must be aware of. Some of the conditions that can be limiting include:
Kidney disease
Heart disease
Pregnancy
Nerve conditions
Asthma
Liver disease
Alcoholism
Ulcers
Stomach or intestinal bleeding
Bleeding disorders

Should you have any of these, take special care with what you take. Speak to your local pharmacist when you are in your drugstore and deciding which product would work best for you, or simply make an appointment to get confirmation on what is safe with your doctor.

Keeping in mind the medications you are currently taken can also determine what is safe for you to take from the OTC options. Blood pressure medicine can interact with pain relievers, for instance, rendering them either less effective or toxic with side effects. Also, medications that are taken for blood thinners, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and lithium could cause potential interactions with OTC pain products.

Let's be serious, no healthy and well-adjusted individual wants to spend the day popping pills. The easier it is to get relief the better. Some products require that you take a couple of pills multiple times a throughout the day to help keep the alleviation of inflammation or pain at bay while others can be taken less and have a longer duration of potency. If you are able to take fewer pills per day you can streamline your daily routine much better and you don't have to worry about being stuck somewhere without your pillbox in order to continue operating pain-free.

The other factor that contributes to ease of use is actually how you take in the medication. There are many people who have a hard time swallowing pills. For this reason, those options that provide a much smoother or easier way to ingest are going to be much more suitable. Some pills have a capsule with powder inside, that allows those who can handle pills to swallow easily and for those who can't, the ability to pour the powder out in the water and drink may be another feasible option. Some formulations can dissolve in the mouth so swallowing is unnecessary. Many gel capsules smooth outer shell allow them to go down the throat a bit smoother. The ease at which you can physically ingest the medication can play a big part in its effectiveness because you aren't going to get any benefit from a medication you can't take in.