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Leg Cramps - Article 1

By: Julie Mayler

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What are leg cramps?

Leg cramps are often excruciating and spontaneous contractions of the muscle tissue of the leg. Cramps can occur in all muscles. They can not only take place in the skeletal muscle tissues (i.e.: the outside muscles of the body), but also the interior muscles, also referred to as the involuntary muscles of the intestine (bowel) or the urinary bladder. Leg cramps are also referred to as "charley horse" in ordinary parlance. The leg muscles typically affected by cramps are the ones that cross more than one joint. E.g.- the quadriceps muscles of the front of the thigh cross over 2 joints- the hip as well as the knee. The hamstrings (muscles behind the thigh) also span the hip and knee joints.

What causes them?

A great deal of effort has been expeded by scientists in this field. Among the numerous causes found to bring about these contractions of muscles are changes in electrolyte balance in the blood. The commonest examples of this phenomena are hypokalaemia or low blood potassium levels and hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels). Unhealthy levels in these electrolytes make muscle cells to get bigger due to ensuing osmotic changes. The other factors that promote cramps are muscle tiredness as well as extreme physical exercise. Both of these factors perhaps produce localized electrolyte/ lactic acid changes. Additional causative conditions are obesity resulting in greater weight bearing by the leg muscles, and selected medications. Cramps are also believed to take place during pregnancy, particularly when other situations provoke cramps and in dehydration.

Methods to reduce or eliminate leg cramps

Specialists and physicians, who have considered this symptom, urge proper hydration or adequate consumption of water throughout the day and especially during exercise or vigorous physical activity. It is also advisable to relax and take breaks during exercise to prevent lactic acid build-up in the leg muscles. Stretching of muscles following exercise is also advised. Sports advisors also advocate gradual increase in physical activity, instead of sudden spurts of exercise to prevent leg cramps. To illustrate, a person who mostly goes on short walks should not attempt a marathon or long jogs. The victim of cramps should also have regular blood tests to evaluate the blood electrolyte levels, notably potassium and calcium.

What can you do about leg cramps:

Typical management of leg cramps involves soft rubbing of the affected muscles and/or hot baths. Both of these are usually sufficient to manage muscle contractions. If this does not work, the patient should talk to a physician. Blood tests ought to be done to determine electrolyte level changes. Among the primary medicinal treatments used for leg cramps are B complex-vitamins, naftidrofuryl and calcium controlling medicines. Quinine may be taken but is not recommended because of negative side effects..

Closing thoughts:

Leg cramps while not a deadly condition, can often agitate the patient and cause much pain and lack of sleep. Simple cures and defensive measures are often plenty to deal with this problem. Pregnant women are more prone to suffer from this condition, as are those who engage in sudden and vigorous exercise.

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Leg Cramp Info

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