leg cramps and spasms?

Question

for the last few months i have been havong cramps and spasms periodically in my calfs, i have no changed anything in my diet and i dont excersize as much as i should the cramps are worse when i am sitting down or laying and arent bad when i stand or walk, im getting nervous about it but my doc isnt concerened, any siggestions or anyone elese have this prob? im a healthy 23 year old female. thanks

oh i forgot to mention its not just when i lay down at night it happens during the day also

Answer 1

They are called "Charlie Horses", which is a generic way of describing calf muscles cramping up mostly when one is in a state of rest.

They occur because the blood that the calf muscles need to work has pooled instead of moving out which is why the best treatment is ICE during the cramp--walk and rub ice and it will go away fast.

Never use heat--you will only draw more blood to the area. This can happen due to exercise or inactivity.

While it is true that lack of certain vitimans can cause cramping it would be more likely as a result of low vit. C, A and D.
Potassium that is to low will effect your heart and leg cramps will be the least of your troubles.

A daily vitimin and a good diet can take care of those issues. But at your age I think it is a good ole fashion charlie horse.
See a doctor if the above does not work.

Answer 2

A banana a day for sure.

The stretches are easy. Stand about a foot away from the wall and keep your heels flat on the floor. Reach out and do push-ups against the wall, keeping your heels flat. Any good calf stretches done a few times a day will help. I've had the screaming leg cramps, and they do suck!

Make sure you're drinking your water too.

Answer 3

Hmmm, I'm going to agree with some of the other posters in suggesting - check potassium levels; restless leg syndrome and my though is...if this continues for more than another month...ask for second MD opinion. Also check to see if you've changed length of time sitting, new office chair or that sort of thing.

Hope this issue resolves itself soon. You shouldn't be having this type of problem at age 23.

Answer 4

For women, high heels are often to blame for foot and calf issues. Also, long sitting in a chair or couch can cause these issues. In sports, stretching exercises help relieve these problems, and lots of water with meals for the average American is in order.

Consult a sports fitness website to learn what stretching exercises fit your needs.

Answer 5

I used to have this problem. I would wake up in the middle of the night with this unbearable cramp on my leg. I started stretching alot recently and ever since then, it stopped happening.

Answer 6

before going to bed do some leg stretches and make sure you drink plenty of water too. keep your feet elevated too, that helps a lot. Or you can take pills with Quinine water in them.

Answer 7

My leg cramps were caused by a lack of potassium - have you tried eating banannas? Hope you feel better soon.

Answer 8

I'm starting to hear a lot about "restless leg syndrom". Ask your doc about this.

Answer 9

why dont you check into restless leg syndrome? this is what it sounds like to me...also if you think you can be suffering from arthritis at your age which i doubt but not impossible try some tylenol for arthritis

Answer 10

i dont know, but when i do alot of yoga or excercise, i always get cramps in my legs... or what you call charlie horses...

i find that when i take 2 baby aspirin the night before, it always helps....