![]() When healthy, arteries are elastic and flexible, but as you age, your arteries can become stiff, thick, and narrow. Problems can also arise if you have arteriosclerosis. Reasons that the free flow of blood might be blocked include: In some cases, leg cramps can be a sign of something more serious such as not enough blood reaching your muscles. Painful muscle contractions can also be a side effect of dialysis and some medications like diuretics.Ī compressed or pinched nerve in the back or neck can feel like a leg cramp with the pain increasing with greater distances walked. Pregnancy and certain medical conditions like diabetes and nerve, thyroid, or liver issues can increase the frequency of leg cramps, as can insufficient levels of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium. You can typically handle these situations with self-treatment, such as more stretching (including before bed with or without light exercise if leg cramps wake you) and making sure to drink enough liquids each day. Becoming dehydrated whether while working out in the heat or other reasons can irritate muscle cells and lead to cramps as well. Overusing or straining the muscle is the most common culprit, with not enough stretching before use often serving as a contributing factor. Read on to learn about some of the reasons for leg cramps. Clement Banda, medical director at MD Vein & Skin Specialists, is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating leg cramps and any underlying condition. The reasons for leg cramps run a wide spectrum ranging from the harmless to things you really should get checked out. Leg cramps can afflict anyone, but they are most common in the very young and old, people who are overweight, and athletes. They typically last from several seconds to a few minutes, and you can often feel a knot when you press the painful area. The calves and thighs are two of the most common areas affected, although cramps can strike your hands, arms, abdomen, and feet. Say hello to a leg cramp.Īlso called a "charley horse," a cramp occurs when the muscle involuntarily contracts and can't relax. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.One minute you're in your groove during a workout at the gym, finishing a walk around the block, or even sleeping like a baby when suddenly you're doubled over with intense out-of-the-blue leg pain. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. If your doctor prescribes medicine, take it exactly as prescribed.Increase your exercise a little each week. Do not suddenly increase the amount of exercise you get.Regular stretching can relax your muscles and may prevent cramps. Stretch your muscles every day, especially before and after exercise and at bedtime.Others get relief by rubbing the calf with an ice pack. Some people find that a heating pad placed on the muscle can also help. Take a warm shower or bath to relax the muscle.The cramp usually goes away after a few minutes. ![]() It may help to place a rolled towel under the ball of your foot and, while you hold the towel at both ends, gently pull the towel toward you while you keep your knee straight. To stop a leg cramp, sit down and straighten your leg as you bend your foot up toward your knee.
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