The occurrence of seizures in the calf muscles of the legs is a common phenomenon. It is characterized by very unpleasant sensations and even pain. A spasm can start unexpectedly and be taken by surprise, so you need to have a concept of the symptoms, causes and methods of eliminating seizures.
Causes of leg cramps
There are many reasons for a sharp muscle contraction. They may not be associated with any disease. The constricting calf muscles cramps occur most often from:
a sedentary lifestyle, when most of the time is spent in an armchair, in a car;
insufficient stimulation by the nervous system of the leg muscles;
excessive physical exertion associated with playing sports, long walking. Cramps in the calf muscles in this case arise due to the accumulation of lactic acid in them;
lack of sleep;
chronic fatigue;
circulatory disorders ;
- lack of magnesium, calcium, vitamin D.
Cramp convulsions are also symptoms of many pathologies: varicose veins, diabetes mellitus, cirrhosis, spinal diseases, pregnancy complications. Therefore, if cramping occurs regularly, you should consult a doctor.
Preventive measures for leg muscle cramps
Worried about the pain that binds the calf muscles? Cramps are her cause. For the prevention of spasm, it is recommended:
adhere to a full and balanced diet;
take drugs or biological supplements containing calcium, magnesium, vitamin D;
- regularly eat fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, dried apricots, buckwheat, legumes, nuts.
Ways to relieve seizures
It is useful in case of pain to knead the calf muscles with the thumbs . Cramps in them may appear unexpectedly, but do not be scared. You need to learn several ways to eliminate discomfort in the legs:
Perform the exercise, standing facing the wall at a distance of one step. To do this, it is necessary to rest your hands on the wall, retreating in small steps from it. Do not tear off the feet from the floor - leg muscles will stretch . Then stand for a minute, tracking the pain. If they occur, stop the exercise.
Normalize blood flow to the calf muscles. Cramps will help relieve massage, which consists in pressing the thumb in the middle of the calf muscle. In this case, you need to gradually increase the pressure. Then push the point in the popliteal fossa for two seconds. Pregnant women are not recommended for massage.
- An emergency way to help is to prick a pin into the spasm zone. Painful irritation will help alleviate cramps.
The occurrence of cramps in the muscles of the legs during pregnancy
Women may experience calf cramps during pregnancy. They arise due to a lack of trace elements and vitamins in the body. In pregnant women, cramps occur mainly at night or in the morning. If seizures occur, you should contact others for help. If this is not possible, do not panic. Carefully pull the toes towards you, repeating the exercise several times, until the pain disappears. Then stretch the muscle slightly. Thus, blood circulation will be restored.
During pregnancy, seizures resulting from a lack of vitamins in the body are a serious deviation. It can damage the fetus. It is strictly forbidden to resort to self-medication. The correct recommendations and appointments will be given by the doctor. In case of varicose veins, it is advisable to wear special tights. It is also necessary to lead an active lifestyle, often take a contrast shower, do baths with sea salt, and monitor proper nutrition.