Muscle Knots

We have all experienced muscle knots or muscle cramps at some point. But we never give much attention to them. So what are muscle knots? They are nothing but constricted muscle groups that cause muscle pain. The medical name of muscle knots is myofascial trigger points. There are many theories as to why muscle knots form but the definite reason is not known. Your muscle may knot at anytime. While you are asleep or when you reach out for something suddenly or turn around in surprise. In the following paragraphs we will discuss the various possible causes of muscle knots along with muscle knot treatments.

What are the Causes of Muscle Knots

As I have said before the exact reason for the formation of a knot in the muscles is not known. But the widely accepted reason is that muscle knots form due to an unnatural build up of protein caused by the release of lactic acid. Simply put, a knotted muscle is one that got flexed due to some kind of strain but is now reluctant to relax. The common belief is that they are caused due to pulled muscle which may be one of the possibility. But the major reason is lack of regular exercise. Most people these days work in front of a computer or sitting on a desk. That way your muscles get habituated to this motionless lifestyle so when you exercise suddenly one day, they get knotted.

How to Get Rid of Muscle Knots

If you want to know how to remove muscle knots, go through the following list of simple things that you can do to treat muscle knots. But you should see a doctor if the pain is too severe or is occurring over and over again.

• Apply some heat on the knotted muscle as that will relax it immediately. You can use electric heating pads or heat-producing disposable pads for this purpose. But if this muscle knot was caused due to an injury of some kind then you should not use heat to relax it try an icepack instead.
• If you have muscle knots in back of neck, there is an easy way to deal with it. Keep a tennis ball on the floor and lie down so that the ball is pressed on the muscle knot. Now roll on the ball for some time. This will relax the muscles.
• Massage the area gently with or without any oil. If the knot forms somewhere on the arm or leg you can massage it yourself but if its on your back ask someone to massage those muscles. Best way is to hire a masseuse.
• Muscles may knot due to the lack of certain nutrients like potassium. Therefore you can eat a couple of bananas to get rid of them as bananas are a rich source of potassium. You can also take magnesium supplements.
• Drink a lot of water and take a balanced diet. Sometimes concentrated toxins in your bloodstream can lead to muscle knots so flush them out with plenty of water. And a balanced diet will ensure that you don't lack in any of the nutrients.

Finally, the solution to muscle knots or any medical problem is regular exercise. So even if you have to work for 15 hours a day ensure that you take a break at regular intervals and stretch all your muscles and take a short walk. It will help you avoid muscle spasms, knots etc. A word of caution - never massage a knot in the calf muscles as it may be due to a blot clot and massaging it might be fatal.