Cramps in the legs - causes

Cramps in the legs - a problem quite familiar to many. Most often they occur at night, when you are sleeping peacefully, and then wake up from a sharp dagger pain. Of course, in a few minutes, after you rub your leg, the pain will release, but for a while it will make itself felt. It is unlikely that such a feeling is fashionable to call pleasant. Let's try to figure out what causes the cramps in the legs.

Common causes of leg cramps

Seizure is an involuntary contraction of the muscles, accompanied by sharp pain. Most often, spasms are observed in the calves, although, it happens, reduces both the feet and toes. Cramps can occur at different ages, but more often they are exposed to people of the middle and older generation. We will consider the most common reasons why a leg cramp can be reduced.

Micronutrient Deficiency

The most common reason. First of all, this concerns the lack of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Deficiency of trace elements can arise due to the intake of certain medications that slow down the absorption of magnesium. These drugs include, for example, antacid agents used to treat heartburn. Also, the deficit of these substances occurs during pregnancy, as the body of a woman spends them in much more than usual quantities. Assimilation of calcium makes diets with high protein content difficult. In addition, the cause of micronutrient deficiencies can be stress and increased sweating. The latter reason is especially important in the summer, and therefore cramps in the muscles of the legs are much more likely to occur in the warm season. In addition, seizures can cause a deficiency of vitamin D.

Physical activities and exercise

Cramps appear due to constant muscle tension and inadequate relaxation. Usually physical activity is the cause of cramps in the calves of the legs, since it is the calf muscles that account for the maximum load.

Other reasons

These include:

Causes of cramps in the toes

Such convulsions are observed less often than cramps of gastrocnemius muscles. In women, the cause of cramps in the soles of the feet and toes often is the prolonged wearing of narrow uncomfortable shoes, high-heeled shoes with no habit. In addition, seizures can cause hypothermia. But if the cramps in the legs are not single, but are observed frequently, then you need to visit a doctor, since, most likely, the cause is venous insufficiency, a lack of certain electrolytes or another disease.

What to do with cramps in the legs?

Because the sensations of cramps are very painful, the measures have to be taken immediately. This is especially important if the spasm has reduced the leg while staying in the pond:

  1. Quickly relieve cramps helps prick a sharp object. For this, some people who know that they are prone to convulsions, when swimming, fasten an English pin to the swimming trunks.
  2. When cramps arise, remove socks and shoes, despite the painful sensations - walk around. It is desirable on a hard cold surface, and not on a carpet.
  3. Pound the sick limb. Do not be cautious, click on the possibilities are strong to squeeze the contracted muscle. When you massage, you can use mustard oil.
  4. In summer, to avoid cramps, use mineral water with a lot of salts or slightly add salt to drinking water.
  5. If the spasm has passed, but the muscle continues to ache, it is recommended that the leg be wrapped in a flexible bandage.

And remember: if the cramps are repeated regularly, then you need to drink a course of vitamins and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, but before that, see a doctor and take a general and biochemical blood test .