How do you...?

Question

Hi,
Can anyone tell me why we get leg cramps?

Answer 1

It can be caused by a build up of lactic acid in the muscles. When you don't exercise or stretch regular and then you do physical work or exercise, the lactic acid builds up and muscles tighten and hence cramp up. I had this happen a couple of days ago and it sucks!

Answer 2

Sometimes an overuse of leg muscles, or a deficiency in the electrollytes in your blood, such as calcium, potassium, etc. can cause cramping of muscles. They are also common in certain diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, and other muscular/skeletal conditions. Pregnant women often have leg cramps. If you are getting them every night and during the day, you should see your doctor. There are some medications that can help, and the doctor may want to draw some blood for lab tests to see if you are deficient in any of your blood's important chemicals.
When a leg cramp hits, try this accupressure step immediately ( unless you are pregnant, then do NOT do this treatment) place your finger under your nose as if you are trying to stop a sneeze and hold pressure there firmly for several seconds until the cramp eases. I learned how to do this many years ago. At the base of the nose septum, there are two little knobs. Squeeze them firmly until the cramp subsides. Again, do not do this if pregnant. Keeping the extremities warm and dry also helps.

Answer 3

It depends.... Muscles can cramp after exercise if you have not stretched properly because of chemical buildup in the muscles. If you are cramping seemingly for no reason, it could be diet related. Too much or not enough of certain vitamins or minerals can cause problems with your muscles. Potassium and calcium can both be related to cramping. Some people don't process calcium well which can lead to cramping. Then there are "growing pains" which appears to be a generic term for leg pain when doctors can't quite seem to figure out what the problem is. Most grow out of this pain. I didn't. The best solution for that problem is a warm bath (which almost immediately stops the pain) and the minimum dose of your preferred pain reliever. Mine is ibuprofen.

Answer 4

I get really bad cramp in the winter if I dont drink enough water. I've found taking salt has no effect, but try drinking a pint or 2 of water before going to bed. That stops me getting cramp. (And no, it's not because I get up all night for a wee so am stretching my legs! I can still sleep through).
It can also be to do with circulation, as drinking and smoking can make cramp come back.

Answer 5

probably lack of water ... ur probably dehydrated .. I know when I drink soda I get really bad leg cramps and that because the soda takes the water out of my body and I become dehydrated and as a result i get bad leg cramps ...

Answer 6

My mum used to say, lack of salt. But these days salt is BAD! I tend to do stretches a couple of times a day. It's worked so far (except when I've done excessive walking, like sight-seeing!).

Answer 7

your muscles have layers that move in a specific direction, when these layers move differently due to a wrong signal, or shock, it causes the cramp.

Answer 8

lack of blood supply to lower limbs......particularly if you are cold. The body likes to keep warm the vital areas. That's why old people feel the cold in their extremities.

Answer 9

Lack of potassium - eat a banana a day! Seriously - this really does work! Can't stress it enough.

Answer 10

Its a sign of poor blood circulation.