Leg cramp is a sudden, involuntary, painful contraction of the leg muscles. Leg cramps usually occur at the calf, hamstring and / or quadriceps. This muscle cramp pain will last about less than a minute to about a few minutes before it subsides. Leg cramps more common with older people (>50 years old), pregnant women and people with heavier weight. One of the more common leg cramps is Nocturnal leg cramps which is a term use to define leg cramps that happen when we are sleeping and jolting you awake.
Nocturnal leg cramps
Leg cramp causes?
- Muscle overexertion
- Dehydration
- Low potassium (a mineral that is important in rregulating body chemistry. Can be found in salt.)
- Alcohol
- Medication
How to remedy leg cramp fast?
Massage the affected leg muscle. Don't point your feet downwards. Instead, make you leg straight and gently point your foot upwards toward the knee. You can also apply a cold pack on the affected area or take a hot shower to relieve the pain.
How to prevent leg cramps?
Always drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. If you sweat a lot due to exercise or work, drink more to replace the lost fluid.
Always stretch and warm up your whole body before an engaging in any sport or exercise.
Avoid sleeping in the bed cover tucked tightly at the foot of your bed. Loosen the bed cover, otherwise, this might cause you sleeping with the foot pointing downwards which increases the risk of getting leg cramps.
Stretch your leg muscle or ride on a exercise bike for a few minutes before sleeping.
Mini Exercise Bike
Drink a cup of warm milk before sleeping.
If you always wear high heels, try to use better support shoes instead.
When to consult doctor?
If you often experiencing leg cramps, visit your doctor. Thorough medical examination could find the underlying root cause of it.
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