What are leg cramps?
The
leg cramps are sudden pains that occur mainly in the calf or thigh. This can cause quite a bit of pain and often happens from a lot of exercise or work, especially when it's hot. Many people also get it at night or when they are resting. Although the pain can be intense and can last from
several seconds to several minutes it is usually not a sign of a serious problem.
Nocturnal leg cramps
These
cramps they usually appear on
night, when you are resting or sleeping, and may wake you up or make it more difficult to sleep. Depending on the person, these cramps may occur less often or more often.
The
night cramps on the legs can affect anyone, regardless of age, but are more common in the elderly. For example, 33% of people over the age of 60 will experience such cramps at least once every two months, and this percentage increases with age. Also, about 40% of women with
pregnancy they will experience leg cramps, mainly due to the extra weight their muscles have to bear.
What does a leg cramp look like?
A leg cramp looks like one
tight knot which causes pain. This pain can range from annoying to very severe and can last even after the cramping is over.
What causes leg cramps?
Sometimes our legs get cramps without knowing the reason. These cramps can be caused by various things
cause such as:
- Lack of calcium or magnesium
- Dehydration
- Uncontrollable nervous reactions
- Lack of blood in a part of the leg muscle
- Stress and anxiety
- Excessive high-intensity exercise
- Injury or fracture
- Advanced pregnancy
- Caffeine or alcohol
- Deficiency of B vitamins
Why do I get cramps at night?
The reason you suffer
leg cramps the night is not always clear. It can occur when nerves send incorrect signals to muscles, causing uncontrollable contractions, especially during sleep.
You are more likely to get
Cramp at night if:
- You are over 50 years old
- You work hard using your muscles
- You spend a lot of time sitting without moving
- You do not drink enough water
- You stand for long hours on hard surfaces
Also some
health conditions increase the likelihood for
leg cramps at night and are the following:
- Hormonal disorders
- Dehydration
- Pregnancy
- Neurological diseases
- Nerve damage
- Lack of chemical elements in the body (eg calcium, potassium, magnesium)
- Alcohol
- Diabetes
- Low blood sugar levels
- Blood circulation problems
- Taking medication (mainly diuretics)
It is important to talk to a specialist if you suspect that your cramps may be related to more serious medical issues, such as venous thrombosis, that require immediate medical intervention.
Cramps in the summer
In the summer, it is common to get sick
leg cramps, mainly from the heat. This is because the heat can dehydrate us, and if we don't drink enough water or don't get
electrolytes, it is possible to feel cramps, but also to feel generally tired. If you are experiencing frequent cramps, it is good to investigate, as there may be another reason causing them.
Cramps during pregnancy
When you are
pregnant, there is approx
50% chance to display
leg cramps, mainly during the second and third trimesters, often at night. The reason they happen isn't entirely clear, but experts believe the following factors may contribute:
- Lack of calcium and magnesium
- Changes in blood circulation
- Weight gain that can strain muscles
- Dehydration
Who gets cramps more often?
- Age: As we age, we lose muscle strength, which can make our muscles tire and cramp more easily.
- Physical condition: If we are not in the right physical condition for an activity, our muscles tire faster.
- Profuse sweating: When we exercise in a hot climate and sweat a lot, it's easier to get muscle cramps.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, muscle cramps are common.
- Medical problems: Certain conditions such as diabetes, or problems with the nerves, liver, or thyroid may make cramps more likely.
- Weight: Excess weight increases the possibility of muscle cramps.
How do I stop leg cramps?
If you get leg cramps, whether from exercise or during the night, there are no quick fixes, but there are simple ways to get relief. Try the following steps:
- Make it few steps to relax the muscle.
- Use Heating Pad or make one hot bath to relax the muscles.
- Straighten your leg and stretch the upwards, pulling the fingers towards the knee.
- Massage: Do massage with your hands in the area.
- Stand up straight and press the feet on the floor.
- Roll up ice on a towel and place it on the area to reduce swelling.
- take one painkiller, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if needed.
These steps can help
leg cramp relief.
How can I prevent leg cramps?
To
avoid leg cramps, you can follow these simple steps:
- Make time for leg exercises during the day.
- Stay hydrated drinking at least eight glasses of water a day and avoid drinks with alcohol and caffeine.
- Take them vitamins and your medications as prescribed by your doctor, including muscle relaxants, if necessary.
- Invest in Anatomic Shoes which offer good support.
- Try it different sleeping positions to find the most comfortable one for you.
When should I see my doctor?
If the
leg cramps are painful and intense, occur frequently, or do not go away and you notice any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor.
- Cramps in other parts of the body.
- Very intense pain.
- Swelling or numbness in the leg.
- Changes in the skin of the foot.
- Cramps that wake you up at night.
- Cramps that prevent you from sleeping.
- Lack of fluids or electrolytes.
Find on
wecare.gr wide variety of products for immediate relief from cramps
Related products:
Sources: Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief & Prevention,
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Leg Cramps: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention,
What Causes Leg Cramps?,
How to get rid of muscle cramps in your legs,
Muscle Cramps: 8 Things That Cause Them & 4 Ways to Stop Them,
Muscle Cramping In the Heat,
13 Causes of Leg Cramps—and How To Stop Them
PHARMACIST, M.Sc.
CEO Wecare IKE
