What Causes Leg Cramps?

Leg cramps can be really painful. They often start out as a tiny spasm that you think will pass, but will then escalate to a full painful feeling on your calves or at the backs of your thighs. A good majority of all the people in the world experience cramps at some point of their lives-most often during strenuous physical activities such as exercising and swimming. However, there are also occurrences of leg cramps at night, which are not only painful but can be disruptive of one\’s sleep as well.

Perhaps the longest parts of our bodies are our legs, and there are many places in these limbs where one can get cramps. There are cramps that immobilize the foot and the toes, which typically occurs after a long day of walking or running, or if one is wearing really uncomfortable shoes. Calf muscles are typical victims of leg cramps as well; and the backs of the thighs are the most common parts of the legs that experience cramps. These cramps can be fatal-especially if one is swimming in a deep pool or the sea. However, most leg cramps are just painful and most people just want to get rid of them altogether.

But leg cramps are natural contractions of the various muscles found in our legs. We cannot do away with this natural occurrence in the body, but we can take steps in order to avoid them. Cramps-even severe leg cramps-are caused by muscle contraction in a specific area. There are many causes of muscle contractions-the foremost of them being muscle tiredness. Like the entire body, muscles can feel tired whenever they are overworked or stretched to their limits. Heavy and strenuous exercising without proper warm-up and stretching can be a cause of leg cramps (or the cramping of other muscles in various parts of the body).

A heavier body weight can also be a cause of leg cramps at night. You do not have to be obese to cramp up around the legs-by being a bit heavier, you are putting much stress on your legs, which hold you up every time you stand up, walk, and run. Pregnant women are also susceptible to leg cramps while sleeping, mostly because they are carrying a child within them and might have gained excess weight in order to support the infant.

Deficiencies in various vitamins and minerals can also be a cause of leg cramps at night. People who lack potassium, magnesium, and calcium can be especially susceptible to experiencing leg cramps while sleeping. Even without strenuous exercise or being heavier in body weight, people who are not getting their right dose of these minerals can experience painful cramps in their leg areas.

Hydration is important for the human body, especially when you consider that over seventy percent of the body is made out of water. Not getting enough water or fluids into the body can cause to severe leg cramps. This is the most common among the leg cramps causes, and ironically, it is the cause that is the easiest to address.

Several motor neuron diseases can also cause nocturnal leg cramps, and if the occurrence of severe leg cramps persist, make sure that you see a doctor to get an expert opinion on your condition.

Seomul Evans is SEO services consultant and content writer for American Leg Cramp Society. Visit the site to know more about Cause of Leg Cramps and Leg Cramp Sports.

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Author Bio: Seomul Evans is SEO services consultant and content writer for American Leg Cramp Society. Visit the site to know more about Cause of Leg Cramps and Leg Cramp Sports.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
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