Muscle cramps are an unpleasant and often very painful phenomenon. And getting rid of it is very difficult. It is especially unpleasant when it cramps the legs. This often happens after sleep, when swimming, or a sharp change in posture. Let's find out why it reduces the calf muscles.
Possible reasons
In general, doctors separate this phenomenon from ordinary seizures. And they even came up with a separate term for it - "myoclonia." This distinction is due to the fact that the reasons why it reduces the calf muscle and the causes of other types of seizures are fundamentally different. And if tonic-clonic, myoclonic and partial spasms are often signs of quite serious disturbances in the work of the human body, then when reducing the lower leg, the causes are most often simpler.
It should be noted that very often myoclonia occurs immediately after waking up or during sleep. If you look closely at the sleeping person, twitching in the area below the knees can be noted.
Why reduces the calf muscle during sleep?
This phenomenon is due to dysfunctions in the extrapyramidal system of the brain and the diseases that accompany them. Therefore, if at least once a month you have a calf muscle cramp, you should think about a comprehensive diagnosis of the body. After all, such a symptom can mean the beginning of the development of any pathology.
In women in particular, spasms of the calf muscles may be precursors of varicose veins. And during pregnancy, future mothers should be especially careful: in the last trimester, this can be a symptom of gestational diabetes mellitus. And at the beginning of gestation, a cramp is a particularly alarming signal that can mean preeclampsia.
One more reason
Why reduces the calf muscle? Most often, it can be quite peaceful vitamin deficiency. For example, vitamin D deficiency. It helps to absorb calcium and magnesium, without which the nerve endings work poorly. Exactly because of this reason
leg cramps occur. There is also another vitamin, the lack of which can lead to the question "why it reduces the calf muscle." This is a well-known vitamin B6. It is also needed for the functioning of the nervous system. To avoid vitamin deficiency and prevent
cramp of the calf muscle, you should include pork, eggs, fish in the menu. And to exclude leaching of vitamin D, you need to review the diet and exclude diuretics and drinks.
Well, another question that usually interests those who have experienced cramps of the calf muscles: "Why does this scourge often lie in wait for swimmers?" This is due to narrowing of the blood vessels. It can be caused by too cold water, a temperature difference (warmed up in the sun and went into the water), or muscle strain. Often brings feet in water in people suffering from a lack of calcium. Do not be surprised also by a similar phenomenon if you have a history of spinal diseases. But due to increased loads, the legs are reduced due to dehydration, excessive stress, as well as with insufficient heating before training.