Leg Cramp Causes

Muscle cramp in general is caused by a sudden contraction of muscles, and leg cramps are no exception to this. It is characterized by sudden pain and tightness in the voluntary muscles of the body. Leg cramps mainly affect the muscles of the areas like the calf, the hamstring, and the quadriceps. Though muscle cramps generally last for a few seconds, the effects can remain for several minutes, as the muscles may take some time to relax completely.

Reasons Behind Leg Cramps

It is usually a result of over excitation of the nerves that are responsible for stimulating the leg muscles. Often, leg cramps are experienced by people during the night, which are known as nocturnal cramps. Another cause is dehydration and a classic example is the muscle cramps experienced after sport and other heavy exercises. Such activities cause substantial loss of body fluid, which if not replenished immediately, can cause muscle contraction. Muscles need a sufficient amount of water to perform normal activities and hence, dehydration is an important factor that induces muscle cramps. Foot and leg cramps can also be caused by muscle fatigue produced by strenuous activities and exercises.

Another cause can be a deficiency of vital minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium. A deficiency of these minerals causes over excitability of the nerves of muscles. Night leg cramps are more prevalent among pregnant women and the elderly. Along with mineral deficiency, poor blood circulation is also considered as another cause for this conditon. Sometimes, these cramps may be a symptom of diabetes and peripheral artery disease.

Electrolyte imbalance is another factor associated with this condition. Certain medications like diuretics and hypertension medications have found to deplete the level of potassium and calcium in blood, which in turn can cause cramps. They can also be produced by Vitamin deficiency, especially a deficiency of vitamin D, as this vitamin is crucial for the proper absorption of calcium. It has been found that deficiency of B-complex vitamins can play a significant role in the development of muscle cramps. In addition to all these, exposure to large changes in the temperature, nerve abnormalities and low blood salt are some other causes of muscle cramps.

Leg Cramp Remedies

The common treatment includes drinking plenty of water to replenish the loss of body fluid and thereby avoid dehydration, intake of sufficient amount of calcium, potassium and magnesium, and doing some simple stretching exercises. Gently messaging the area in a circular motion can provide relief from the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. Application of heat on the affected area with the help of a heating pad can also be helpful in getting quick relief from muscle cramps.

In the long run, diet can play an important role in preventing leg cramps. A healthy and balanced diet that includes a lot of vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, broccoli, citrus fruits, and cantaloupe can help in preventing the frequency of leg cramps. These foods are rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, the deficiency of which can contribute to leg cramps. However, in the case of persistent and frequent cramping accompanied by severe pain, it is important to seek medical attention at the earliest. This is because, in many instances, muscle or leg cramps may be a symptom of many ailments including diabetes, anemia, hypocalcemia (low level of calcium in blood), hypokalemia (low level of potassium in blood) and thyroid and kidney diseases.