Leg Cramps and Potassium

Leg cramps are sudden and forceful contractions of the leg muscles, which often cause a very intense pain that can last for a few minutes. In many cases, the pain caused by cramps last only for a few seconds. If you are wondering, what causes leg cramps, then there can be many factors that can cause the muscles of the leg to contract suddenly. Usually, it could be overexertion of the muscles or excessive stress and fatigue, poor circulation of blood, dehydration, certain drugs (such as diuretic) and electrolyte imbalance caused by excessive sweating. It has been observed that frequent leg cramps and nighttime leg cramps are also associated with the deficiency of certain minerals, especially deficiency of calcium, magnesium and potassium. Out of these, potassium is the mineral that can be found to be widely associated with leg cramps.

Muscle Cramps and Potassium Deficiency

As has been mentioned already, muscle cramps are caused by sudden contractions of the muscles. Leg is one of the most common area to be affected by muscle cramps. Usually, such cramps occur in the calves and the small muscle of the feet. Such cramps are caused by electrolytic imbalance. Lack of this mineral in the body is one of the major causes of electrolytic imbalance that can manifest in leg muscle cramps. Potassium is the mineral that helps to build muscles, and maintains water balance and acid-base balance in the blood, as well as the tissues and cells of the body.

Potassium is also required for cell communication. Potassium is of crucial importance for the proper transmission of nerve impulses. Deficiency of this important mineral can cause leg cramps and muscle weakness. Potassium deficiency can be caused by excessive sweating and conditions like, diarrhea or any other bowel disease. However, deficiency of potassium is not the only factor, which can trigger this problem. Such cramps can also be associated with the deficiency of other minerals like, magnesium, sodium and calcium.

Can Potassium Reduce Leg Cramps?

If leg cramps are caused by potassium deficiency, then they can be treated and prevented with the help of potassium supplements, and by eating foods rich in potassium. Usually, a good vitamin and mineral supplement can provide enough potassium and other minerals required for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body. Along with supplementation, include the foods containing potassium in your diet. Foods that are rich in potassium are, bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, wheat germ, figs, almonds, carrots, cauliflower, sunflower seeds, avocados and bran flakes.

Before taking any kind of supplementation, it is advisable to consult a physician. So, if you think that potassium deficiency could be the cause of frequent leg cramps, then talk to your physician to confirm your supposition. If potassium deficiency is found to be the main cause of the problem, then discuss with your physician regarding the use of supplementation. Along with supplementation, regular exercises, especially the stretching exercises can help a lot to prevent cramps. At the same time, be sure to stay well hydrated, and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol abuse is an important cause of leg cramps at night. The intense pain caused by cramps can be alleviated with some simple home remedies such as, application of ice pack, heat and gentle massage. If the pain is too severe, then pain killers can be taken, as per the direction given by your physician.