Leg cramps can be caused by overuse of muscles, dehydration, mineral deficiencies, injuries, standing on hard surfaces, and sitting or lying down in awkward positions. Staying hydrated, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and stretching before exercise can help prevent leg cramps.
When a person’s leg muscle contracts on its own and stays contracted, it is called a cramp. The most common cause of leg cramps is overuse of the muscle, such as when a person exercises too much. A person is also usually dehydrated when they overuse the leg muscles, increasing the risk of cramps. Muscle injuries are another common cause of leg cramps, as are deficiencies in certain minerals. In some cases, such as nocturnal leg cramps, the cause of the leg cramps is unknown.
A leg cramp can signal a person that they are not getting enough nutrients. If someone doesn’t have enough calcium in their blood, their legs may cramp as the calcium helps the muscles contract properly. A person taking diuretics or water pills for high blood pressure may not get enough potassium, which is another cause of leg cramps. Low levels of magnesium or vitamin E can also cause leg cramps.
Lots of exercise or activity is perhaps the most common cause of leg cramps, particularly in older people. Someone may experience a calf cramp from swimming or a leg cramp after running. Leg cramps can occur after exercise if a person is not used to exercising and has not absorbed enough water during the activity. If someone works out in hot weather and doesn’t drink enough water during the activity, leg cramps can be the first sign that they’re suffering from heat stroke.
Injury to the leg muscle or the nerves surrounding the muscle is another cause of leg cramps. If someone breaks their leg, muscles can contract around the broken bone in an attempt to hold the bone in place and prevent excessive movement. Irritation of the nerves around the muscle can also cause a leg cramp.
Cramps can also occur when a person stands on a hard surface for an extended period of time. Sitting for too long or lying down with your legs in an awkward position can also cause cramps. People with flat feet may be more likely to experience leg cramps.
Leg cramps can be avoided by staying hydrated during exercise and eating a diet rich in nutrients such as calcium and potassium. A person should drink at least a pint of water three hours before exercising. While exercising, you should drink a sports drink or beverage containing electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Stretching before your workout can also keep cramps away.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
