2007-10-22 04:22:33 · 7 answers · asked by Kimmy 5 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Besides dehydration and too much caffeine and too much booze it could also be a deficiency of potassium, calcium, magnesium or vitamin B6.
A potassium deficiency is often caused by an overload of table salt (sodium chloride). Most of us have far too much sodium in our bodies from consuming too much salt and that can cause a potassium deficiency.
2007-10-22 14:13:00 · answer #1 · answered by Susan Yarrawonga 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a long list of potential causes of leg cramps - from over exerting the muscles to a potassium deficiency to circulatory problems, and on and on. I would try a couple quick fixes and if they help, great. If not - time to talk to your doctor for a professional diagnosis. Take a look at the amount of daily exercise and see if perhaps you're overdoing. If you are, then cut back and see if it helps. The opposite could also be true -- you could be under-doing. Try a daily multi-vitamin that contains potassium or a banana once a day. If it is a potassium deficiency, the results should be quick - like 1-3 days. If neither work then consult a doctor. While we can help you on here with some laymen style answers - a medical professional is always the best source for a medical problem.
Hope you feel better soon!
2007-10-22 11:29:06 · answer #2 · answered by rose1077 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
'Charley-horses' is the first place your body targets when you are dehydrated. Drink lots of water! I recommend purified water and Mineral Water mixed 50/50. The Mineral Water is going to put back into the muscles the minerals they are losing on a daily basis. You must drink beyond your thirst to get the benefits of hydration.
I suggest that adults and children drink 40 ounces of water per 100 pounds of body weight every day. Realize that exercise, ambient temperature, and state of health affect the water needs of your body.
In the evening take a hot bath with 2c. of dissolved Epsom salts and soak for 30 minutes. Afterwards, if you have something shaped like a cylinder and made out of hard material (think of a large rolling pin you would use for pizza dough or something) place it under your leg and push down and roll it back and forth...this should massage the spasms out of your leg. It will hurt while you're doing it, but more so the type of pain that actually feels good, in the long run. Afterwards massage an analgesic cream into the area. You will start feeling better quickly.
Take 500mg of calcium and magnesium every evening. This will help stop the cramping.
2007-10-22 12:01:22 · answer #3 · answered by Cherokee Billie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Calcium is one thing, like someone already said. Try to drink a lot (of water) and see if this helps. This is in some cases a very easy solution.
Cause:
hyperflexion; inadequate oxygenation; exposure to large changes in temperature; dehydration; or low blood salt.
Muscle cramps may also be a symptom/complication of pregnancy, kidney disease, thyroid disease, hypokalemia or hypocalcemia (as conditions), restless legs syndrome, and multiple sclerosis.
2007-10-22 11:27:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be sure you are getting enough calcium as this can be a cause. If this doesn't help then you need to see your doc as there are meds he can prescribe to try like quinine sulfate.
2007-10-22 11:26:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was told that you need both calcium and magnesium to help alleviate leg cramps.
2007-10-22 11:31:01 · answer #6 · answered by lunaticcowgirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
low pottassium could cause leg cramps.
2007-10-22 11:30:27 · answer #7 · answered by Angela C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋