Leg cramps are painful sensations in your lower body that often occur at night.
What causes it?
It’s not entirely clear what causes leg cramps. They could be due to dehydration, or you might have low levels of calcium or magnesium. Certain medications may make you more prone to leg cramps. Other possibilities include nerve compression or exercise-induced cramps.
Tips?
When you get a cramp in your leg, try to stretch the leg, and massage the muscle with your hand. If the pain continues, put a warm compress on the leg muscle. Make sure that you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. If you continue to get leg cramps, review the medications that you’re taking to see if any could be causing muscle tightness or cramping.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Muscle cramp: Self-management.” MayoClinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Feb 2016. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Muscle cramp: Symptoms and causes.” MayoClinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Feb 2016. Web.
