What Causes Leg Cramps
Leg cramps can be very painful and will certainly interfere with your good night’s sleep. So what is the cause of leg cramps? There are a number of causes of leg cramps: over-exercising, working in one position too long, dehydration, lack of necessary vitamins and minerals, certain medical conditions such as blood clots, various veins and so on.
You need your sleep to allow your body to repair itself. The first thing to do is have the bedclothes loose at the foot of your bed. This gives your feet and legs room when you turn over in your sleep. Turning over sometimes triggers a muscle spasm. Some people find a wedge pillow helpful. Another suggestion was to put an unopened bar of soap under your top sheet near your feet. What this might do is questionable but people say it works. Let’s face it, when you have leg cramps you’ll try anything.
If you have been over-exercising or walking too much, then massaging the legs and gently stretching the muscles before going to bed can usually stop the muscle spasms.
If your leg cramps continue and you cannot pinpoint the cause - and stop doing it - then it is time to consult your doctor. Tests can be taken to determine if you have an infection, a blockage in a vein, atherosclerosis or a lack of the necessary vitamins and minerals. If you have an elevated temperature or inflammation in your legs, it is imperative that you seek a doctor’s advice.
One of the vitamins that can help with leg muscle cramps is vitamin B6. Taking a B complex tablet can sometimes be all that is needed to eliminate nocturnal leg cramps. Foods that contain good quantities of B vitamins are Brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, eggs, oatmeal, whole wheat, bran, whole brown rice, meat, poultry, and fish. Studies have shown that most people, particularly women, do not get enough B6 in their daily food intake This B vitamin works with the protein we eat to build body tissue. It is very important.
The important minerals are calcium and magnesium. Both of these need to be present for the proper working of the nerve and muscle impulses. These minerals are best absorbed when taken together.
Other factors which can affect leg muscle pain are your lifestyle choices. It is best for your body to have a variety of foods with adequate starch and fiber to receive all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Avoid over-consuming fat, sugar, sodium and alcohol.
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Leg cramps while sleeping can be extremely painful and can ruin a good night’s sleep. They can also cause soreness or a stiffening of the affected muscles the next day.
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Tags: cause of muscle cramps, what causes leg cramps, what to do about leg cramps
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