It can stop you in your tracks. It can wake you out of a sound sleep. It’s that sudden, searing pain, locked-up muscle and overwhelming urge to yell out in agony. It’s a leg cramp.
They can strike at any time and for many reasons, and for most people, the only thought that accompanies the episode is “When is this going to end?” Also called a charley horse, a leg cramp is a spasm (involuntary contraction) that most commonly affects the muscles in the calf but also can affect thigh muscles or the feet. These cramps may last anywhere from 10 seconds to 10 minutes. Many times, these cramps occur in the middle of the night, interrupting your sleep and jolting you out of your slumber and into a bewildered, pained state. However, leg cramps can also occur in daytime hours when you are participating in exercise such as running or biking — or for no apparent reason at all.
Causes of Leg Cramps
It is often difficult to pin down what exactly causes muscle cramps, but some typical reasons include dehydration, strenuous exercise, sitting in an awkward position for an extended period of time or muscle trauma. Additionally, some medications can cause leg cramps, including certain steroids, diuretics or birth control. Cold weather may contribute to the likelihood of leg cramps in some situations. Consider these additional possibilities as causes for your leg cramps and seek medical attention if you need guidance managing your symptoms.
MISSING MINERALS: Many people are unaware of the need the body has for certain minerals and nutrients in order to maintain optimal performance and health. If your diet lacks minerals such as calcium, magnesium or potassium, you may be more prone to leg cramps. Consider adding these minerals into your diet through food choices or taking supplements that will add the appropriate levels to your daily intake.
STUNTED BLOOD SUPPLY: Also known as arteriosclerosis of the extremities, narrowing of the arteries that bring blood into the legs can cause cramping. This may be a result of exercise and often goes away once you end your exercise session and cool down.
NERVY NELLIES: Lumbar stenosis (a compression of the nerves in your spine) can result in leg cramps. This may cause pain when you walk for a prolonged period of time. You sometimes can ward off this type of cramp pain by walking in a flexed position, as if you are pushing a cart in front of you.
There are multiple approaches to managing leg cramps, including preventive measures, as well as treatment measures you can apply when cramps strike.
Four Effective Treatments for Leg Cramps
To treat leg cramps, you should always think of prevention first. With proper care, you may be able to beat your leg cramps to the punch — and avoid experiencing them altogether.
Consider these four effective solutions for stopping cramps in their tracks. In addition to heading off these pesky pains, the following treatments also provide on-the-spot relief when a cramp strikes. Be sure to consult your physician for further guidance and input when necessary.
If your leg cramps are frequent or last more than five or 10 minutes in duration, you should consult your doctor for further evaluation. While leg cramps are a fairly benign (albeit painful) and common ailment, there may be underlying medical concerns that you need to address. A full physical examination and any necessary testing can ensure that you receive treatment for any other health concerns and can help you figure out how to manage leg pain.
For typical leg cramps associated with exercise, poor diet or other manageable causes, consider trying the recommendations in this article to manage your symptoms and care for your muscles. Seek input from your local pharmacy for over-the-counter remedies when necessary and speak with a nutritionist or personal trainer to develop lifestyle changes that will keep you healthy and pain-free.
Don’t let these preventable pains cramp your style.
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