Leg Cramps

When a single muscle, or a group of muscles in the leg contract involuntarily, you are having leg cramps.  Leg cramps HURT, and the only immediate relief is to stretch the muscle back in the opposite direction.  For example, if it is your calf muscle cramping, you may have to reach down, grasp your toes, and pull them forward.  That will momentarily ease the pain, but the cramp often comes back as soon as you let go.  Leg cramps happen most often at night after you have gone to bed.  

Home Remedies For Leg Cramps:

Causes of Leg Cramps:

The exact cause of leg cramps is unknown, but there are some common factors that seem to contribute to the likelihood you will have them.

• Overexertion resulting in extreme muscle fatigue
• Exercises that use muscles you don’t normally use
• Dehydration, Electrolyte, fluid, or hormonal imbalances
• Excess weight
• Medications, like diuretics, sometimes have side effects causing leg cramps
• Nerve or muscle diseases
• Nerve abnormalities
• Poor circulation or diminished blood supply

Quinine:

Leg cramps seem to respond well to quinine.  I have known many elderly people who insisted on drinking about 1/4 cup of tonic water before bed each night, and it totally eliminated their leg cramps.

Potassium:

Adding foods rich in potassium such as bananas, orange juice or potatoes to the diet, helps to avoid leg cramps.  

Hot Water:

A hot shower or warm bath before bed can help soothe over stressed muscles, and prevent leg cramps.  If you feel the leg cramps coming on, you can use a warm towel or heating pad to help alleviate the tenderness.

Herbal, Vitamin, And Mineral Supplements:

• Alfalfa promotes circulation
• Gingko enhances blood circulation
• Valerian is a natural muscle relaxant
• Horse Chestnut relieves muscle cramps
• Potassium or Vitamin E deficiencies cause leg cramps
• Niacin and Vitamin C Aids in circulation
• Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption
• Calcium and Magnesium deficiencies can cause leg cramps
• DMG may aid in oxygenation
• Co-enzyme Q-10 is believed to lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation
• Common Sense Preventive Measures to Avoid Leg Cramps

Stay Hydrated:

Dehydration causes leg cramps.  It is especially important to stay well hydrated during workouts.  Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercising.

Stretching:

Stretching before and after exercising helps prevent leg cramps.  When you begin an exercise routine, be sure to start slowly, and increase your routine gradually.  A sudden change in your level of activity can cause leg cramps.  Keep a rolled up sheet or blanket at your feet to prevent your feet from pointing downward while you sleep, helps to prevent leg cramps.