Leg Cramps – Causes
The muscles of the body are divided into two groups – voluntary and involuntary muscles. Voluntary muscles are the ones that we can control such as the muscles of the limbs. Cramps can affect any voluntary muscle of the body. Muscle cramp develops when a voluntary muscle contracts involuntarily. The forceful muscle contraction could not be relaxed, creating pain and hardness of the affected muscle. The leg muscles are frequently affected by cramping.
Leg cramps usually develop in the thigh, calf and foot. Leg cramps can affect people of all ages. However, elderly people are most prone to this condition. Some people are prone to leg cramps, having about three leg cramping incidences every week.
Causes of leg cramps
Nocturnal leg cramp
Nocturnal leg cramps usually occur in the night, when the leg remains stationary for a long time. While sleeping, usually the knees are bent slightly and the feet remains pointed downwards. This sleeping posture, places the calf muscle in a shortened position. Contraction of the calf muscle that is already shortened causes muscle spasm, creating leg cramps. Pregnant women are especially prone to night cramps. Changing your sleeping posture might help to prevent leg cramps during the night. This painful condition could be reduced by doing stretching exercises daily.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a common cause of leg cramps. It develops during vigorous physical activities, when your body loses excess body fluid through perspiration. It usually develops in the intense summer heat. Often leg cramps could be the symptom of heat stroke. Fall in the sodium level could cause leg cramps. Sodium is associated with contraction and relaxation of the muscles. Excess perspiration or loss of body fluid due to intake of diuretics could cause sodium depletion and leg cramps.
Deficiency of essential minerals
Besides sodium depletion, deficiency of potassium, magnesium and calcium could even cause leg cramps. Deficiency of these minerals can develop from poor nutrition, excess use of diuretics, vitamin D deficiency, excess vomiting and underlying conditions that prevent absorption of these minerals. A well balanced diet could help to prevent leg cramps developing from deficiency of nutrients.
Strenuous physical activities
Leg cramps could develop from overuse of the leg muscles. Muscle fatigue could cause leg cramps during sports.
