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Leg cramps are unpleasant, often painful sensation caused by muscle contraction. They are pretty common now a days and occur in almost 95% of all human beings. They are more common in teenagers as well as older people who are above 65 years old due to their evolving or deteriorating muscle mass. Sometimes pregnant women could become a victim of them as well. The reasons behind leg cramps or skeletal muscle cramps are not very clear. However, scientists have listed a number of elements which seem to trigger these muscle contractions.
What They Are
Leg cramps happen when the muscles involuntarily contract so much that they actually cause pain. Involuntary muscle contractions happen a lot especially when the human body is trying to protect the muscle itself, or the bones covered by the muscle from too much movement. This is why people who are injured experience cramps a lot. However, a spasm, or a regular involuntary muscle movement, is different from a cramp. A cramp is prolonged, and could last for as long as 45 minutes. Severe muscle cramps should be attended to by a physician.
Common Causes
Dehydration could be one of the causes of leg cramps. Generally pregnant women are more likely to suffer dehydration and so need more and more water intake. Those who are travelling may also experience of cramps provided that they haven't drunk enough water while in transit.
Some forms of medication can also induce cramps. These are, more often than not, side effects. Most of the cramps causes by medication are tolerable, and the benefits of the medicines outweigh the frequency of the cramps. However, once the cramps become intolerable, you will have to tell your doctor so s/he can change your medication.
You could also be lacking in Vitamin B or potassium if you experience leg cramps for frequently than the regular person. Your doctor can conduct tests to see if you need to take supplements for these nutrients or make some changes to your diet.
Easing Cramps
Usually, skeletal cramps are easily relieved. Unless you're a small child, your instincts will just tell you to massage the cramped area. Massaging helps to relieve the pain and relax your muscles. Once the contractions are over, you'll be rid of the painful sensation as well.
Stretching is also a good practice in case you experience skeletal cramp. Usually this is done after massaging. You should stretch the affected muscles gently so that it won't contract so much in at least the next few hours.
Taking a hot shower can also help to reduce a nasty skeletal cramp. However, it is impractical and unsafe to take a shower if you are having acute muscle contractions. You should take a warm shower once you have stretched the contracted muscle and feeling better. In addition, you can apply warm compresses if massages and stretching won't help to ease the pain.
Sometimes muscle contractions occur at night if you are feeling too cold. In such a scenario, you could stabilize your body's temperature by going under the covers, and stretching your muscles while it is covered by a blanket. You can ask for a hot compress as well if the blanket is not providing enough heat.
What They Are
Leg cramps happen when the muscles involuntarily contract so much that they actually cause pain. Involuntary muscle contractions happen a lot especially when the human body is trying to protect the muscle itself, or the bones covered by the muscle from too much movement. This is why people who are injured experience cramps a lot. However, a spasm, or a regular involuntary muscle movement, is different from a cramp. A cramp is prolonged, and could last for as long as 45 minutes. Severe muscle cramps should be attended to by a physician.
Common Causes
Dehydration could be one of the causes of leg cramps. Generally pregnant women are more likely to suffer dehydration and so need more and more water intake. Those who are travelling may also experience of cramps provided that they haven't drunk enough water while in transit.
Some forms of medication can also induce cramps. These are, more often than not, side effects. Most of the cramps causes by medication are tolerable, and the benefits of the medicines outweigh the frequency of the cramps. However, once the cramps become intolerable, you will have to tell your doctor so s/he can change your medication.
You could also be lacking in Vitamin B or potassium if you experience leg cramps for frequently than the regular person. Your doctor can conduct tests to see if you need to take supplements for these nutrients or make some changes to your diet.
Easing Cramps
Usually, skeletal cramps are easily relieved. Unless you're a small child, your instincts will just tell you to massage the cramped area. Massaging helps to relieve the pain and relax your muscles. Once the contractions are over, you'll be rid of the painful sensation as well.
Stretching is also a good practice in case you experience skeletal cramp. Usually this is done after massaging. You should stretch the affected muscles gently so that it won't contract so much in at least the next few hours.
Taking a hot shower can also help to reduce a nasty skeletal cramp. However, it is impractical and unsafe to take a shower if you are having acute muscle contractions. You should take a warm shower once you have stretched the contracted muscle and feeling better. In addition, you can apply warm compresses if massages and stretching won't help to ease the pain.
Sometimes muscle contractions occur at night if you are feeling too cold. In such a scenario, you could stabilize your body's temperature by going under the covers, and stretching your muscles while it is covered by a blanket. You can ask for a hot compress as well if the blanket is not providing enough heat.
About the Author:
Seomul Evans is SEO services consultant and content writer for American Leg Cramp Society promoting first remedy to the pain associated with Leg Cramps.
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