Leg cramps are something we all have suffered from at times, and something we all want to avoid. You are most likely to have muscle spasms in a foot, the side of your lower leg, in your thighs (the back of your thighs is most common), or in your calf muscle. They seem to occur at night, just when you need your rest and sleep. It can make sleep impossible, and can disrupt your sleep so much that the next day you are groggy and performing below your peak. The agony and pain of a leg cramp can be unbearable. There are things you can try as remedies and for the prevention of leg cramps.
There are some common factors that increase the chance of having leg muscle spasms, they include:
- Muscle tiredness, muscles that have been overworked
- Heavy, strenuous, exercising
- Being dehydrated, not drinking enough water
- Having a high body weight, but not necessarily being obese
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Medications you are taking, prescribed or otherwise
- Being pregnant
- A magnesium deficiency
- A calcium deficiency
- Motor neuron diseases can cause severe cramps
Medicines your doctor has prescribed can be the culprits too, of leg muscle spasms. Diuretics, anti-psychotics, birth control pills, steroids and statins are medicines that might be causes. Avoiding alcohol is always a good suggestion because alcohol will act as a diuretic and cause you to lose water, possibly leading to dehydration.
A severe case of leg cramps may result in tenderness and even muscle fiber necrosis. Necrosis is the localized death of living cells (as from infection or the interruption of blood supply).
Two things you can do to prevent painful leg muscle cramping is to drink enough water and to follow a proper and balanced diet. You must stay hydrated and you must provide your body with essential vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and electrolytes if you want to avoid having leg cramps. Basically, drinking enough water and eating properly are the two major things you can do for yourself to prevent leg cramps.
To get relief from a cramp in your calf muscle, try stepping away from a wall about two feet and then lean forward to the wall using your arms as a brace, and stretch out the cramping muscle. Do this slowly. You can also try stretching the calf muscle by slowly raising and lowering on your toes. Making a habit of stretching the muscles in your calves and thighs can help condition them and lesson the chances of, and severity of, muscle spasms. Massaging the leg muscles can also help.
Usually cramping legs are only a minor thing and something not to worry about. There are times however, that they may indicate a more serious condition such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Don't delay consulting your doctor if your leg cramps are regular and causing severe pain.
Something I have found very beneficial in combating my leg cramps is a product called Leg Cramp Away by a company named Native Remedies. It is an alternative, effective, safe, and natural solution for painful leg cramps. It's very easy to use. I think you will find it good to have on hand when you are suffering from leg cramps!
My BIO: I'm a software developer who has developed two applications that help people manage their health. I have successfully sold this software over the Internet for over ten years. Health and wellness are passions of mine. I hope this information has been useful to you. - Jake Hickory
Native Remedies is a market-leading brand of natural remedies specially formulated to offer a complete solution for holistic wellness. Leg Cramp Away by Native Remedies is an alternative, natural, and safe treatment for leg cramps. It is a safe, non-addictive, FDA registered natural remedy containing 100% homeopathic ingredients selected to temporarily relieve leg cramp pain.
If you want to know more about how to get rid of leg cramps with Leg Cramp Away, then I recommend learning more at either: http://www.squidoo.com/leg-cramps-remedies or http://legcrampaway.blogspot.com/.
I know Leg Cramp Away has worked wonders for me, I'm sure it will for you too.
I hope you have found this article helpful and informational, and I hope the last leg cramp you suffered was the last one you ever have. Wishing you the best of health, Jake.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_Hickory
