Leg cramps are annoying, debilitating, and painful. Leg cramps most commonly occur in calves and hamstrings, though they can show up in just about any leg muscle. Sometimes they seem to come out of nowhere, but they can also be caused by muscle strain and lack of key nutrients.
Muscle cramps occur when a muscle involuntarily contracts on its own. You can usually feel a hard lump where the muscle is contracted. Cramps usually occur for a specific reason — if it’s not a strained muscle, it’s probably due to a fatigued or overused muscle, because your body is dehydrated, or because you’re not getting enough electrolytes, like potassium or magnesium. Fluids and key vitamins and minerals help your body move efficiently and smoothly. Read on for helpful tips on how to remedy and prevent leg cramps.
Drink More Water
Step one to solving most common non-serious medical ailments? Drink more water. If you’re even feeling thirsty, you are dehydrated. Water is a preventative treatment to keep your body functioning at 100% every day. If drinking plain tap or bottled water isn’t something you keep up with, add flavor packets, drink tea, or drink sparkling water.
Eat More Bananas and Supplement with Magnesium
A common cause of leg cramps is a deficiency in electrolytic minerals, usually potassium and magnesium. Having too little of these minerals in your diet or taking a diuretic (often prescribed for high blood pressure) can deplete these minerals in your system and cause muscle cramping.
Stretch It Out or Take a Hot Bath
To stop the cramp, relax the muscle. Stop any activity that may have induced the cramp and lightly stretch the muscle. Massaging the muscle, using a heating pad, or soaking in a hot bath will help the muscle (and you!) relax. Add magnesium (in the form of Epsom salts) to your bath for even more muscle-relaxing benefits.
Am I a Candidate?
Determine if you are at risk for developing or already have symptoms for venous disease.