Leg cramps occur in almost every person. Well, if this is just a single cramp. But what to do if it brings your legs more and more often and a sharp pain in the calf muscle wakes you constantly at night?
To begin with, let's decide - why does it bring legs together? A cramp is a muscle spasm, a sharp contraction of muscle fibers. When relaxed, the circulatory system supplies the muscles with nutrients, glucose and oxygen. And quite copes with it. But once a person engages in vigorous activity, the need for an influx of these elements increases. If the blood vessels cannot cope with the increased blood flow to the muscles, then the muscle tissue experiences oxygen deficiency and a lack of glucose. As a result, a cramp in the legs. Let's look at the most common causes of this condition:
- Why does it bring legs with great physical exertion in an unprepared person, in athletes after long trainings, during work associated with a long stay "on their feet"? Muscles consume large amounts of energy (glucose). Its lack in muscle tissue to continue active work provokes a cramp.
- Why does it reduce legs during pregnancy? Here the reason is very simple. A developing fetus requires a large amount of calcium to build its bone tissue, which it takes from the mother's body. It is extremely important for a pregnant woman to monitor her diet, supplying a complete set of vitamins, minerals and nutrients for a baby who is completely dependent on her.
- Why does it bring legs together during sleep? Due to uncomfortable foot position in bed. Improper position of the leg constricts blood vessels, and this is fraught with convulsive manifestations. Especially if the vessels overlap for a long time.
- Why does he take his feet when swimming in cold water? During swimming, the human body performs a double job - the physical costs of the process itself and reflex protection from the cold (trembling). Double energy costs require an additional influx of nutrition into the muscles. If the body can not cope - a cramp in the water. Which can be very dangerous.
- Why are legs overweight? The extra load in the form of extra pounds on the blood vessels of the leg muscles not only leads to swelling, but also makes them work in an "emergency" mode. As a rule, the vascular walls of such people lose their elasticity and can not cope with their task. As a result, venous expansion and convulsive phenomena in the legs.
- The phenomenon of "reduced legs" is often found in women who prefer a high heel to shoes. An unnatural load on the muscles of the legs leads to their tension, which makes itself felt already at night, when the person relaxed. It is then that “residual” stresses begin to appear. The same reason for the appearance of seizures in people suffering from flatfoot is the incorrect load on the calf muscle. Wearing special shoes or orthopedic inserts is necessary for them.
Perhaps the appearance of seizures at night is caused by some disease. A visit to the doctor is necessary to identify the causes. If everything is in order with health, and only the points listed above are the basis for a spasm, then everything is fixable.
Review your diet. Are there high calcium foods in your diet: milk and dairy products, cheeses, cottage cheese, beans, spinach, red fish, etc. Does your body lack the necessary trace elements, vitamins and nutrients?
If you have a cramp, do not panic. Pull the big toe towards you, then give the twisted muscle a “point” massage with your fingers, even if it hurts to touch it. After a while, the pain will release. And when establishing the right lifestyle, these phenomena will go away. Health to you!