What are shoelaces? 5 home remedies to relieve them

To relieve the stiffness we can combine different techniques such as localized massages and showers with warm-up exercises and stretching that allow us to condition the muscles.

After a more intense sport session than usual or when we do some type of different exercise, the annoying shoelaces appear. These can be mild or quite intense, to the point of preventing us from doing some of our daily activities.

Discover in this article what are the best home remedies to relieve stiffness quickly and effectively. We can find a natural solution in rosemary vinegar, olive oil, essential oils or hydrotherapy.

What are shoelaces?

Stiffness is muscle pain that appears 12 to 24 hours after practicing more intense physical activity than usual or that we are not used to. This problem can last between 3 and 7 days.

It is characterized by a loss of muscle strength, accompanied by tension, sensitivity and difficulty in movement . The cause may be a breakdown of muscle fibers, which would cause inflammation, or a buildup of lactic acid between the muscles.

It is important to note that any type of exercise or effort can cause stiffness in any part of the body. For example, in some muscles that we do not usually use as much.

However, there is a greater probability of suffering them when we do anaerobic exercises.  Like, for example,  abs or weights.

Prevent stiffness

The best way to relieve stiffness is to prevent it. If we follow these tips we will reduce the risk of suffering them:

• Always exercise consistently and progressively.
• Start each session gently and gradually increase the intensity.
• Always stretch each muscle before and after training .
• Drink enough water throughout the day so that the muscle fibers are well hydrated. At least one and a half liters a day.
• A balanced and complete diet is always essential, especially if we play sports.

Home remedies to relieve them

1. Showers at alternate temperatures

Showers at alternate temperatures are a natural, simple, and very cheap home remedy. In other words, combine cold water with hot water to activate circulation and promote recovery as soon as possible.

We can do them throughout the body, or locally on the most affected muscles. We will do 10 seconds at each temperature and repeat between 8 and 10 times . In addition to relieving the stiffness, we will also activate the metabolism , improve the appearance of the skin and notice a great feeling of lightness.

2. Dry brushing

Dry brushing is a very simple technique to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. It is also a beauty remedy to prevent and treat cellulite and stretch marks . Also, it has the great advantage that we only need a brush.

We must brush the skin with a medium intensity and always in an ascending direction . We can do it for 3 or 5 minutes, several times a day until we notice improvement. We can also do the brushing before exercising.

3. Scrub with rosemary vinegar

Rosemary vinegar is a traditional remedy that allows us to activate circulation and calm pain thanks to its two medicinal ingredients. We can either buy it or prepare it ourselves.

We just have to leave fresh rosemary to marinate in apple cider vinegar for at least 15 days . Thus the liquid will be impregnated with the properties of this excellent medicinal plant.

4. Temperate bath with magnesium salts

If we want a pleasant remedy that, in addition to relieving the stiffness, helps us to relax after a good sport session, the best option is a bath. The water should be warm, neither too cold nor too hot , at a temperature similar to that of the body.

We can enhance the soothing and pain – relieving effects of the bath by adding magnesium sulfate salts. This mineral is very suitable for balancing the nervous system and the muscular system.

5. Massage with olive oil and essential oils

Finally, we can nourish the skin and combat pain with a massage with olive oil. This food is not only essential in a healthy diet, but it is also very beneficial to apply on the skin.

We can add some analgesic essential oil , such as ginger , mint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary or chamomile. In this way, it will be a very effective lotion and it will leave us a delicious aroma on the skin.