Although night leg cramps are quite a common occurrence their cause is still a matter of debate and can be the result of different causes at various times.
Yet there are a few common themes, such as doing too much stretching too quickly or prolonged sitting or in response to deficiencies in diet or certain side effects of some drugs. It is also believed that cramps can occur as a symptom or side effect of cetain diseases like diabetes, hypoglycemia, arteriosclerosis or an underactive thyroid gland.
Other suggested causes include problems such as poor circulation where the muscle isn’t receiving a good blood supply or enough oxygen, a pinched nerve or cramping as the result of an injury.
Here are a list of remedies for leg cramp relief. Simply select and click on the ones that appeals to you.
Leg cramps can also be quite common during pregnancy and this is oftenbecause of the added weight being borne by the legs, or the muscles becoming more tired than they would normally pre-pregnancy or a mineral deficiency as more is used up for the growing foetus. As the uterus expands during pregnancy it may also put pressure on the nerves that run down into the legs and lead to cramping.
Leg cramps can result in quite sharp and severe pain, most often in the calf muscle as the muscle goes into uncontrollable spasm and suddenly contracts very tightly. The pain is acute but only lasts a short time, usually no more than a few minutes (which can feel much longer when you are suffering!) and sometimes you may be left with tenderness in the affected area for some time afterwards.
The trouble is, when this happens regularly and most usually at night, waking you up from sleep, it can become quite distressing and can affect your whole day by being fatigued, even though the condition itself is not serious or life threatening.
Some of the prescription drugs that seem to be associated with cramping include water tablets or diuretics, penicillamine and nicotinic acid. Deficiencies in diet might include not having enough potassium, calcium or magnesium which can result in an electrolyte imbalance, not enough vitamin E or A and even simply not having enough water, so becoming dehydrated.
Regular cramping seems to be relieved by making sure you take enough moderate exercise and doing some stretching, increasing your intake of essential minerals and vitamins, making sure you drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated and relaxing the muscles with massage or a warm bath. Sometimes when the cramping is severe and persistent, quinine is suggested as a treatment but this may involve unpleasant side effects such as dizziness or blurred vision.
Here are some related posts that may be of further interest:
What Causes Leg Cramps In Pregnancy And What You Can Do About It?
Remember that if your muscle cramping is constant, pain is persistent, or if you notice swelling in your leg, call your doctor. These could be signs of a blood clot which needs immediate medical attention. Blood clots, if left untreated …
Underlying Causes and Treatments for Stomach Bloating
If you have muscular aches, LEG CRAMPS, headaches, irregular heartbeat and water retention (including bloating and swollen feet/ankles) this could easily be a factor. I have had poor luck with potassium pills if for no other reason than the ones in the store contain so little potassium. … The only thing I can recommend in this regard, should the earlier methods fail, is to start a medical journal about what foods you eat, when you eat it and how you feel later.
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