Leg Cramps - Causes and Treatments

We have all experienced leg cramps [the involuntary contraction of a single or a group of muscles] at some stage in our lives, while varying in duration and pain they can be quite incapacitating and tend to involve the calf muscle, hamstring or quadriceps. The sudden onset of a cramp can be very painful [with a lot of discomfort] and although this does not last for long it can leave a person writhing in agony for the duration [can be less than a minute].

Age does not play a role in the cramps appearance but the elderly do tend to get them more than the younger generation. Nocturnal leg cramps [not to be confused with restless leg syndrome] are very painful and quite problematic in that they interfere with a persons sleep, though they do not last long, night cramps can leave the person feeling listless and tired.

Symptoms

* Sudden onset, twitching sensation, Excruciating pain, Muscle tenderness, Hardness and tenseness of the affected muscle, Inability to move the affected limb

Causes

It is very difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the cramp but the following may induce the problem.

* Pregnancy - probably due to the additional strain on the limbs and will end once the baby has been born
* Exercise - over exercising may also cause the muscles to cramp
* Dehydration - poor fluid intake
* Muscle fatigue - over-exertion
* Excess weight - puts extra strain on the affected muscles
* Medicine - some side effects from certain medications e.g. diuretics
* Hormonal, electrolyte or fluid imbalance
* Unusual exercise - doing something that you do not do as a norm e.g. hanging curtains or gardening
* Abnormalities of the nerves or muscles
* Lack of blood to the affected area

Factors that could aggravate the occurrence:

* Excessive intake of alcohol
* Lack of activity
* Sedentary lifestyle
* Mineral or vitamin deficiencies [calcium and potassium]

Night cramps could be a symptom of some other condition e.g. Addison or Parkinson's disease

Treatments

1) Drink plenty of fluids - do not rely on your intake of coffee or alcohol [these are diuretic] rather drink plenty of water or re-hydration liquids
2) Wear good shoes - you need to support yourself properly when walking
3) Do some stretching before going to bed - this will help relax the muscles and aid in limiting the occurrence of nighttime cramps
4) Ensure that your diet is well balanced - helps provide all the minerals and vitamins needed to prevent the condition
5) During an episode try to relax the body, deep breathing will assist while trying to do this
6) Massage - lightly massage the affected area with a soothing balm [in the natural direction of the muscle]
7) Soak in a warm bath or take a hot shower - this will aid in relieving the pain
8) Stretch the muscle gently - do this in the direction that your body wants it to stretch
9) Cold packs - these will assist in relaxing the tensed muscle
10) Heating pad - will help alleviate the pain after an episode
11) Avoid tight bed covers, these can make your feet point in the wrong direction

Essential foods to ensure your minerals and vitamins are at their right levels
bananas, grapes, apricots, raisins, all green leafed vegetables, tomatoes, all citrus, pork and lamb, fish - tuna especially, potatoes, corn

Try including a few of the above in your daily food intake to ensure the correct nutritional balance. As with all medical problems - if you feel that nothing is helping solve the problem - go see your doctor.
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