Causes of Leg Cramps in Women

Leg cramps or Charley horses or nocturnal leg cramps, is a condition characterized by contraction of the calf muscles, hamstring and the quadriceps of the leg, especially during nighttime and while sleeping. These are involuntary contractions of the muscles or the muscle cramps which generally affect age groups above 40 and most common among the old age group. Science relates it to the nerves which are responsible for muscle control. Research says, leg cramps occur most commonly, when in dreams, cause that's when our brain and our body movements are not coordinated. But, the exact reason behind leg cramps is unknown and can be related to the many other discomfort conditions, which are enlisted below. It differs from a similar leg pain condition called, Restless Leg Syndrome, which is characterized by severe leg pain. There is no such evidence of leg cramps being harmful, cause the pain lasts for just a few minutes after which it vanishes. The night leg cramps are mainly due to the awkward sleeping position. Many women experience leg cramps in their day-to-day life.

Causes

• Overexertion of muscles - This is the most common and acceptable cause since the muscles are under stress condition while working and often result in contractions
• Exercise - Athletes and sports people often experience this painful condition since their muscles are always under stressed out condition and they perspire a lot
• Structural disorders
• Standing on concrete surfaces
• Prolonged sitting
• Inappropriate leg positions
• Dehydration
• Muscle fatigue
• Diminished blood supply

Other Medical Causes

• Consumption of alcohol
• Cirrhosis
• Diarrhea
• Electrolytic imbalance - Deficiencies of minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium or disturbed levels of the same can cause severe leg and foot cramps in women
• Dialysis
• Gastric bypass surgery
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney failure
• Lead poisoning
• Motor neuron problems
• Consumption of oral contraceptives
• Peripheral artery disease
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Sarcoidosis - Inflammation or swelling of body tissues
• Diseases like Addison's disease and Parkinson's disease
• Some medications in which antibiotics are used, like salbutamol used against asthma or diuretics
• Pregnancy is another cause for leg cramps. Many women in the latter stages of their trimester, suffer from leg cramps. This condition is often related with the pressure on the blood vessels because of the increasing uterus and thus lack circulation of blood to the lower part of the body i.e. the legs and the feet.

Treatment

• Firstly, stretch your calf muscles and then flex. Repeat this many times in a day. Attempt some stretching exercises and techniques as well as they help reduce the pain.
• Apply, hot compress to muscles. Massage them.
• Walk around. Don't just sit at one place. Being active is very important.
• A hot shower or a warm bath helps getting relief from leg cramps.
• Pregnant females should avoid standing for long, they should continue doing the leg exercises and tell their partner to massage their calves.

Avoiding Leg Cramps

• The best way to prevent leg cramps is drinking lots and lots of water since water has lot of minerals in-build.
• Don't drink alcoholic beverages since they make you dehydrated.
• Make sure your diet is a healthy diet with all the minerals in their appropriate amounts.
• Stretch your muscles before going to sleep everyday.
• Keep rolled up blankets below your feet before sleeping, this position is perfect for appropriate body circulation.

I hope you have gotten the required info about the causes of leg cramps in women. Leg cramp is a temporary discomfort, so you need not worry. If the leg cramps trouble you for many days, consult a doctor since it might be a cause of other complications. See you!