Comment
Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Leg cramps—often referred to as a charley horse—are painful, involuntary contractions of the muscles in your thigh or calf. They commonly occur from dehydration or muscle overexertion. However, in some cases, they can be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as type 2 diabetes or kidney failure. Leg cramps can also be a side effect of certain medications. This article discusses how leg cramps feel, their causes, and prevention and treatment options. boonchai wedmakawand / Getty Images What Leg Cramps Feel Like Leg cramps typically cause a sudden severe pain in the affected muscle. You might also feel a hard "knot" or twitching of the muscle under the skin. The calf muscles are the most common site for leg cramps. What Causes Leg Cramps? The underlying cause of leg cramps isn't always known. However, lifestyle factors and medical conditions can play a role. Lifestyle Factors Certain lifestyle factors and other physical characteristics can increase your risk of leg cramps. The most common cause is muscle overuse. Other causes can include:Age (those 60 and over being affected more often than younger people)DehydrationExercising in a hot environmentExercising for extended periodsLow levels of electrolytes (such as calcium, potassium, salt, or magnesium)Having obesityPregnancy Medical Reasons Leg cramps are also associated with certain medical conditions and treatments for illness. Examples include:AllergiesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, a neurological condition affecting the brain, nerves, and muscles)CancerCardiovascular diseaseCertain medications (such as statins and diuretics)Decreased blood circulation in the legsDialysis (treatment to remove excess fluid from the blood when kidneys fail)Gastrointestinal disease (digestive tract disorders)Liver failurePinched nerves in the lower backRespiratory disease (diseases of the lungs and airways)Spinal cord injury Home Remedies for Leg Cramps Leg cramps often go away on their own after a few minutes. However, other home remedies can also help. Try these tips: Change positions: Moving the cramping muscle can help relieve tension and pain. If your leg cramps happen at night, stand up and take a few steps.Massage: Gently rubbing your cramped muscle can help it relax.Apply heat: If your leg cramp lasts more than a couple of minutes, apply a heating pad or take a warm shower to increase blood flow to the muscle to help it relax.Stretch it out: Stretching a cramping muscle can help it relax. How Leg Cramps Are Treated There are no medications specifically for treating leg cramps. However, if your symptoms are caused by another medical condition, treating the underlying condition might help reduce your leg cramps. Dehydration or low electrolytes can cause leg cramps; in these cases, drinking water or electrolyte-infused beverages can help. If your cramps are related to overexercising, consider reducing the intensity of your activity or exercising in a cooler environment. While magnesium supplements are often marketed to relieve muscle cramps, they are not proven to relieve leg cramps. Exercises and Stretches to Ease the Pain When stretching your leg to ease a cramp, it's important to know which muscle to target. If your cramp does not resolve after
Add Comment