does gettig a cramp in the calf mean you need more salt?

Question

i got a cramp in my calf the other morning in bed, and mum told me that i needed more salt in my diet. is this true?

Answer 1

The common cause of leg cramps is potassium deficiency.esp if you are dehydrated. Bananas are a good source of potassium.

Leg pain is a common symptom and complaint. Causes of leg pain include: muscle cramps, dehydration or depletion of iron, potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium, injuries, inflammation, nerve damage, and other conditions such as pts on hemodialysis.

Cramp is a term often used to refer to a painful, involuntary contraction of a single muscle or a muscle group.
- Leg cramps frequently occur in the legs of elderly patients and can be extremely painful.
- Severe leg cramps my be followed by residual tenderness and evidence of muscle fiber necrosis, including elevation of serum creatinine kinase.
- Cramps in the calf muscles are so common as to be considered normal, but more generalized cramps may be a sign of chronic disease of the motor neuron.

- Muscle cramps can be particularly troublesome during pregnancy, in patients with electrolyte disturbances (hyponatremia or low sodium;) , and in patients on hemodialysis.

Among the conditions that might cause leg cramps are:

-Calcium and phosphorus imbalances can cause cramping, particularly during pregnancy. Imbalances in these minerals can also occur when fluid levels in the body become low, for example from taking diuretics, excessive perspiration, vomiting, or diarrhea.
-Low potassium or sodium (salt) levels.
-Deficiencies of a nutrient called hesperidin, an antioxidant flavonoid found in oranges and other citrus fruits, have also been linked to nocturnal leg cramps.
-Overexertion, standing on concrete for long periods, or prolonged sitting (especially with the legs contorted) may contribute to nighttime cramps.
-Having structural disorders in the legs or feet (such as flat feet) may increase the risk for cramps.
-Among the many medical causes of muscle cramping include hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, uremia, hypoglycemia, anemia, and certain medications. Various diseases, such as Parkinson's, that affect nerves and muscles cause leg cramps. Peripheral neuropathy, a complication of diabetes in which the nerves in the extremities are impaired, can cause cramp-like pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs. Patients with kidney disease undergoing dialysis are also prone to leg cramps
This is due to the sudden removal of waste products such as potassium and urea.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

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Answer 4

I have had leg cramps intermittently early mornings while asleep while training in martial arts. So bad, that they woke me up and my calf was hard as a rock and spasming. All I could do was cry out in pain and hobble out to my kitchen looking for a gator aid or tonic water. One time I had nothing on hand and it dawned on me how much salt (electrolytes) there was in energy drinks.
I mixed a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of salt in 6 oz of water, shook it up an gulped it down. Then a 12 oz glass of water. One half hour later, no more cramps. Works every time. Right or wrong, when I am spasming uncontrollably from leg cramps this lets me get back to sleep and wake up with just a sore calf muscle.

Answer 5

Cramp Salt

Answer 6

It could just be a growing pain. It is hard to know if you have an electrolyte imbalance without having labwork done.
Try doing some gentle stretches when you go to bed and when you wake up.
And it would be low potassium causing those cramps, not calcium. Drink orange juice, it has more potassium than banannas.OR just take a multi-vitamin to be sure you cover all of the bases!!

Answer 7

No, it means that you likely have some electrolyte imbalance (or... wow... maybe even a tense muscle!), and you may want to consider having the issue checked out by a medical professional before you start chugging salt, potassium, calcium, ammonia, chicken soup, or engine oil.


Good Luck.

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Answer 9

Yes. A lot of times I'll wake up with a muscle cramp in my calf.

Answer 10

The wives tale is you need more calcium in your diet, that is why you get leg cramps. Pregnant woment often get leg cramps and it is not due to the lack of salt.
Start drinking more nilk, eating yogurt or ice cream or taking calcium suppliments and see if that helps.