Leg Cramps Don’t Discriminate

Nearly everyone gets a turn some time

Ever witnessed a person writhing in agony, clutching their leg and almost crying with pain? It can be very alarming and also difficult to know what to do for them. The pain seems to have come on incredibly suddenly, and for no special reason; it lasts for a period of time from just a few seconds to several minutes, and then it disappears almost as quickly as it began. This is known as leg cramps, a very common condition and in the majority of cases, totally normal. Leg cramps are caused by a contraction, or spasm, of a single muscle or muscle group, and they most frequently occur in the calf.

Who suffers from leg cramps?
Nearly every person will know what leg cramps are as it's estimated that approximately 95% of the population experiences one at some point. Children can sometimes get them but they are more common in adults. Athletes are prone to the condition because of the extreme conditions under which they place their body. Fatigue wears down their muscles, which eventually go into spasm in response to the stress they are under. They also frequently suffer from temporary dehydration and this can be a contributing factor to cramps. Pregnant women and elderly people are known to experience leg cramps at night, sometimes more than once or twice.

• In pregnant women, leg cramps often arise due to changes in the calcium metabolism. Sometimes a doctor will start the patient on a course of calcium supplements if the pain is significant. Calcium deficiency can be an issue for people other than pregnant women and can be the cause of their cramps too.
• Some medications such as diuretics taken for heart conditions and high blood pressure can cause leg cramps. Always read the information leaflet that accompanies your medicines and be aware of any side effects.
• Engaging in activities that one is unaccustomed to can also be a precursor to leg cramps. Gardening after not doing so for several months is an example; or going for a jog after a long period of not exercising can be a culprit too. Running or working out without stretching beforehand can also bring on leg cramps.
• Imbalances of elements that the body needs, such as magnesium and potassium, is another factor.
  
• If a person breaks a bone, the muscles surrounding the area will sometimes spasm as a means of protecting it. This is the body's clever way of immobilizing the bone and stabilizing it.

Treatment
Since leg cramps are so common, a physician will often do nothing to investigate the causes if the patient is in good general health. He will simply reassure the patient that there is no ongoing medical problem. He will advise on the best course of action to deal with the cramps as they occur and he will usually recommend massaging the affected area during and after an episode, and even massaging it in anticipation of an attack. This helps to increase circulation in the legs and can also be a particularly relaxing therapy, which can help overall in the prevention of cramps. Medications are not usually indicated. If, however, the patient returns with complaints of persistent cramping, then she will be evaluated and the doctor will try to determine if there is an underlying cause. Pain relievers may be prescribed for mild discomfort, but if the patient is debilitated by the cramps, then Quinine Sulfate could be an appropriate prescription but there is evidence that quinine can have dangerous side effects.

Leg cramps can, to some degree, be avoided but at least it's reassuring to know that for the most part, they are an innocuous, though painful condition.