Getting a leg cramp, or as it’s more commonly known, a charley horse, can be excruciating. One moment you’re walking or jogging and enjoying yourself, and the next, it feels like someone slipped a knife into your leg muscles.
While the condition is usually harmless, it can cause feelings of intense pain, tightness, and discomfort. It affects almost any part of your leg, including the thighs and feet. In general, though, cramps more common in the calf muscles. After the cramping passes, it can leave you feeling tenderness and soreness in your leg.
Causes of Leg Cramps:
The reasons why cramps occur are unclear, with no apparent underlying cause. They are commonly thought to be caused by nerve dysfunctions and muscle fatigue. Other likely causes include:
Sleep Positions: Some studies suggest that the way we sleep—with the calf muscles shortened and the feet stretched out—can cause night cramps. However, there is limited evidence for this.
Exercise: Exercise can also be a contributing factor that triggers leg cramps. Putting excessive stress on a muscle for prolonged periods can cause exertion, leading to muscle cramps. While nerve damage also plays a role, an out of shape body and exhaustion are more likely reasons.
Dehydration: Dehydration is also considered a main factor. Many athletes who exercise under strenuous conditions and humid weather experience frequent leg cramps. However, a lot of athletes who play in cool climates also experience leg cramps, so dehydration cannot be considered the sole cause of this painful condition.
Preventing leg cramps:
If you experience leg cramps frequently, the muscles in your lower legs are probably weak and need proper care. Here are some simple things you can do to encourage healthy muscles and prevent cramping:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
- Stay active during the day and regularly exercise your feet and legs
- Sleep under loose covers
- Stretch often during the day and especially before going to bed
- Try multivitamin supplements such as those including potassium, zinc, and magnesium.
Get In Touch With Professionals:
If you are experiencing frequent leg cramps and stiffness around the ankles, get in touch with Varicose Veins Doctors New York. As one of the premier vein clinics in New York City, we offer customized treatment plans for conditions such as spider veins, varicose veins, venous insufficiency, leg cramps, and restless leg syndrome. Our team includes leading vein physicians that specialize in treating varicose veins using modern treatment methods.
Call 212-906-9111 for further information or to schedule an appointment.
