According to medical statistics, almost eighty percent of people living on the planet with varying frequency have a sudden sharp compressive pain in the leg muscles. This unpleasant phenomenon is a cramp. In those cases when this pathology is observed infrequently, it should not cause concern in a person. However, the appearance of sudden pain significantly reduces the quality of life. Both children and the elderly suffer from seizures, however, elderly people are most susceptible to this pathology.
Why is there a leg cramp? The causes of such an unpleasant and painful phenomenon may be the following:
- inflammatory processes;
- diabetes;
- hidden injuries;
- lack of calcium or magnesium;
- stresses;
- lack of vitamin D in the body;
- flat feet;
- thyroid pathology;
- subcooling;
- intense physical activity.
An insufficient amount of mineral elements in the body may result from taking certain drugs that interfere with their absorption. Such drugs are adsorbents (for example, activated carbon).
Dry food and anemia - this is why there is a cramp in the legs. Unfortunately, the ever-accelerating pace of modern life leaves us virtually no time to engage in our own health and to spend more time in the fresh air. This is another reason why there is a cramp in the legs. Pathology can be a consequence of the excess intake of caffeine and nicotine in the body. Therefore, you should reduce your coffee consumption and reduce the number of cigarettes smoked during the day. For frequently recurring muscle cramps , a limited amount of sugar should be consumed.
Why are leg cramps becoming a frequent occurrence? In the case when they were preceded by a long period of sensation of heaviness, pain and swelling in the lower extremities, this usually indicates the occurrence of varicose veins. If the patient takes diuretics recommended for hypertension, this will also help answer the question of why there is a cramp in the legs. Muscle cramps are often the result of cardiac pathologies that cause electrolyte imbalance.
Leg cramps become common during pregnancy. They occur in the first trimester simultaneously with toxicosis. The main reason for this unpleasant phenomenon is considered to be a change in the level of trace elements in the woman's body.
An important effect on the occurrence of unpleasant and painful sensations in the lower extremities is exerted by the deterioration of blood circulation in them. It can be a consequence of various diseases of the body. In this case, the muscles undernourish the required amount of nutrients and are spasmodic.
Particular discomfort and anxiety are caused by leg cramps at night. Treatment should begin with a visit to the doctor to exclude the likelihood of serious illness. In the presence of pathologies, an appropriate course of therapy will be recommended. From night cramps, recipes of folk healers recommend foot baths from a decoction of thyme or chamomile, elderberry or hawthorn. For this procedure, you can use walnut leaves, birch buds or black elderberry.