There are various causes of leg cramps,although sometimes leg cramps can also happen withoutthe exact cause is known. Leg cramps are generally caused byinjury while exercising, impaired blood circulation in the legs or feet,pregnancy, dehydration, deficiency of certain minerals,oreven cold temperatures.
Muscle cramps, whether they occur in the legs or other areas, are strong and sudden contractions or tensions of muscles. Cramps can last from a few seconds to a few minutes, and are common in the legs. Leg cramps at night often affect the calf muscles, and usually occur when you have just fallen asleep or have just woken up.
Various Causes of Leg Cramps
Here are the various causes and risk factors for leg cramps:
- Pressure on nerves
Pressure on the spinal cord can cause leg cramps and pain, which can get worse the longer you walk. Walking in a slightly bent forward position can usually relieve pain.
- Inadequate blood supply
Narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to your legs can cause pain, such as cramping in your legs when you exercise. These cramps usually go away quickly after you rest.
- PregnancyCramping conditions are common in pregnant women, especially during the last months of pregnancy. This may be due to a lack of potassium and magnesium, or due to poor blood flow to the legs.
- Injury
Having an injury or overusing a muscle can also cause leg cramps. Sitting too long, standing too long on a hard surface, or placing your feet in an uncomfortable position during sleep can also cause leg muscles to tighten or cramp. Lack of warming up before exercising also often causes leg cramps.
- Mineral deficiency
Mineral deficiencies, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, can cause leg cramps.
- Dehydration
Dehydration, which is a condition in which the body lacks fluids, can also trigger leg cramps. Severe dehydration can lead to electrolyte disturbances which then lead to leg cramps.
- Side effects of drugs
Medications such as the contraceptive pill, antipsychotic drugs, diuretics, statins, asthma medications, and corticosteroids can also increase your risk of cramping.
- Infection
Infections, such as tetanus, can cause muscle stiffness and cramping.
- liver disease
Diseases involving the liver can cause leg cramps. When the liver cannot work properly, toxins in the blood will increase and can make muscles cramp.
- Other medical conditions
Kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or blood flow problems (peripheral artery disease) also increase the risk of cramping.
Here's How To Handle It
Ways that can be done to deal with cramps, among others, are:
- Stop the activity and relax the muscles
Do light stretches, for example by moving your legs or walking slowly.
- Massage
Massaging the tense area of the muscle can help relieve cramps. However, do not massage the cramped leg too tightly because it can affect the smooth flow of blood.
- CompressCompresses or hot showers can help with cramps. However, this method is not recommended for people with diabetes or spinal cord injuries. In addition, combining a warm compress with a cold compress can also help relieve leg cramps.
- Drink water
Drink water or drinks that contain electrolytes, to replenish body fluids. This method may take a relatively longer time, but it can prevent further cramping.
- Consumption of foods rich in magnesium
Eat foods such as nuts and seeds, which are rich in magnesium, if you experience frequent leg cramps that are not related to another health condition. If necessary, you can take magnesium supplements. But for pregnant women, you should first consult with your doctor if you want to take this supplement.
- Use painkillers
You can take painkillers, such as paracetamol or pain relief gel, according to the directions for use.
To prevent cramps from coming back, try to massage the body parts that often cramp, warm up before exercising, meet the needs of water and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and others. In addition, wear proper and comfortable footwear to move around. If complaints of leg cramps often appear without a definite cause, you should consult a doctor.