 Leg
Cramps |
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Cramps are painful,
involuntary contractions of muscles
that often cause the inability to use
the affected set of muscles. Leg cramps
occur when the muscles of the legs,
particularly the calf (muscles crossing
the ankle and knee), the hamstring (muscles
crossing the knee and hip), and the
quadriceps (also muscles crossing the
knee and hip) suddenly and forcefully
contract. Leg cramps usually happen
at night and can last for less than
a minute, but it may take several minutes
for the contraction to subside. In some
cases, they are extremely painful and
can even awaken the patient from sleep.
Causes and Risk
Factors
The exact cause
of leg cramps has not yet been identified.
It may be because of abnormal processing
of electrolytes by the muscles of the
body. Electrolytes are essential nutrients
needed by the body to perform even the
most basic functions. Leg cramps are
very common and almost everyone suffers
from an occasional leg cramp. However,
they occur more often in adolescents
and older adults.
Some other causes
that increase the risk of contracting
leg cramps are overexertion of muscles
by exercising, prolonged sitting or
staying in the same position, dehydration,
pregnancy, diabetes, low level of minerals
such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium
in the body, neuromuscular disorders
such as Parkinson’s disease, alcohol
abuse, excess body weight, and certain
medications, such as albuterol, niacin,
diuretics, as well as some calcium channel
blockers and antipsychotic medications.
The most common cause of nocturnal leg
cramps is believed to be calcium deficiency.
Women who are postmenopausal and people
who are trying to lose weight or consuming
a calcium-deficient diet are vulnerable
to developing leg cramps. Conditions
such as peripheral vascular disease
(narrowing of the leg arteries that
cause poor circulation), cirrhosis of
the liver (rare cases), lead poisoning,
and sarcoidosis can also lead to leg
cramps.
As mentioned
earlier, most cases of leg cramps occur
at night and are also known as nocturnal
leg cramps. Individuals who exercise
at night are also at a risk of suffering
from leg cramps.
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