Cramping legs cramps - what to do and causes

One of the common problems in women and men are muscle spasms in the lower extremities. They appear for a variety of reasons and depend on many factors. Today, this pathology is well studied by doctors, its treatment is carried out in several ways.

leg cramps

Continuous contraction of muscle tissue, which is not amenable to voluntary relaxation - these are convulsions. Often such spasms "attack" the lower limbs: thigh, lower leg, feet, fingers. Leg cramps are accompanied by painful sensations, because with muscle spasm, there is a lack of nutrients and oxygen. In medicine, there are two types of such a problem: tonic convulsions - prolonged muscle tension, clonic - short-term contractions that alternate with relaxation. Leg cramps are classified as the first type.

Why cramps legs

Painful muscle tension is provoked by various factors. Here are some of the main reasons why leg cramps can occur frequently:

• change in the balance of ions;
• dehydration;
• pregnancy;
• muscle fatigue;
• phlebeurysm;
• lack of vitamins in the body;
• endocrine diseases;
• hidden injuries;
• inflammatory processes of a local nature.

During pregnancy

Often, pregnant women cramp their legs with a strong cramp - what to do, how to deal with the problem, why this happens, it is important to understand. The phenomenon is considered the norm, associated with a high load on the female body. When convulsions occur during pregnancy, this can signal problems such as:

• excess body weight;
• swelling of blood vessels, tissues, caused by an increase in blood volume;
• lack of useful trace elements, vitamins;
• hormonal changes;
• tendency to varicose veins;
• violation of normal blood circulation due to an increase in the uterus, which presses on the nerve endings and vessels of the lower extremities.

To eliminate cramps during pregnancy, you need to follow these steps:

1. grind well, pinch the reduced muscle;
2. massage by squeezing and straightening your fingers;
3. after pain relief - walk a little to activate blood circulation.

At night

Often cramps bring legs together at night. All body processes proceed more slowly, as it rests. Blood continues to supply organs such as the brain, heart, lungs and diaphragm at the same level. All other organs and systems are relaxed. When local blood flow is impaired or reduced by a number of factors, then, under the condition of a lack of oxygen in the tissues, sharp nocturnal spasmodic attacks can manifest themselves. Uncomfortable posture or overexcitation before going to bed can also cause muscle cramps.

Reduces calves

As a rule, cramps in the calf muscles are the most unpleasant, painful. This part of the lower extremities is very often overcome by spasms, unlike other muscle groups. The main causes of seizures:

• venous insufficiency;
• frequent swelling;
• the use of diuretic drugs;
• atherosclerosis;
• lack of trace elements, vitamins;
• diseases of the lumbar spine.

Toes

Some people often cramp their toes. Such attacks begin suddenly, cramps may appear in one or more fingers at once. Possible sources of the problem:

1. avitaminosis;
2. hypothermia of the lower body;
3. wearing uncomfortable shoes;
4. circulatory failure in the human foot.

Leg cramps - treatment

Before treating leg cramps, it is imperative to find out the causes of their occurrence. Do not self-medicate, you should consult a doctor. First you need to be examined by a therapist who will give a referral to a specialist. If convulsions are caused by varicose veins, then a phlebologist will deal with damage to the arteries - a vascular surgeon, diabetes - an endocrinologist, sciatica - a neurologist. Find out what to do with the diagnosis - varicose veins of the lower extremities.

Tablets

When he often cramps his legs - what to do, and what methods of therapy help get rid of seizures? After visiting the doctor and determining the cause of muscle spasms, you can begin therapy. The doctor will explain what to take for leg cramps. For certain purposes, medications are prescribed, the type of which depends on the diagnosis. For therapeutic and prophylactic effects, the following means are used:

• tablets with anti-inflammatory or analgesic effect;
• neuroleptics, relaxing muscles;
• barbiturates or other drugs for leg cramps with a hypnotic effect;
• pregnant women are prescribed folic acid, which prevents seizures;
• mineral-vitamin complexes or preparations with magnesium, potassium help out well.

Ointment

Sometimes a remedy for leg cramps is prescribed in the form of ointments, creams, gels. Medicines of this type are used locally, they lubricate (or rub) the desired part of the leg two to three times a day. Such drugs perfectly reduce the frequency and strength of muscle cramps, help relieve pain, activate the outflow of lymph and blood, strengthen blood vessels well. The most effective, popular means: Troxerutin, Troxevasin, Miaton, Heparin ointment, Traumeel.

Folk remedies

To significantly reduce the frequency, the amount of muscle tension, folk remedies for leg cramps are used. Natural medicines reduce pain, accelerate blood circulation, increase the elasticity of blood vessels. Below are some effective recipes for dealing with muscle spasms:

1. It is necessary to prepare a tincture of cumin fruits (a tablespoon), peppermint leaves (two tablespoons), one tablespoon of anise and fennel. Two teaspoons of the mixture are poured with boiling water (liter), infused for half an hour. Strain through cheesecloth, consume all day in small portions.
2. Cramps legs - what to do? Mix vaseline and celandine juice (2 to 1). Mix the components until a homogeneous consistency is obtained. Treat the lower limbs with the resulting ointment once a day. The course of treatment is two weeks.
3. Combine dry bay leaf (50 grams) with unrefined vegetable oil (glass). The mixture is insisted for two weeks in a jar under a closed lid. The medicine is filtered, applied to a specific area when a spasmodic attack occurs.

What to do if you cramp your leg

There are some topical tips on what to do with leg cramps. You need to do the following:

1. Conduct an intensive massage of the tense area.
2. Apply a cold compress.
3. First aid for leg cramps is stretching the affected area:
   • feet, calves: while sitting, straighten the lower limbs, pull the thumbs towards you;
   • anterior femoral part: standing, bend the limb at the knee, clasp the ankle with your hands, pull the foot towards the buttocks;
   • back of the thighs: put the sore leg forward, put it on the heel, bend the other limb at the knee and lean on it with your hands, carefully stretch the reduced limb, pulling back the pelvic part.

How to get rid of cramps

To prevent the occurrence of spasmodic attacks or reduce their number, it is worth resorting to preventive measures. Here are some tips on how to get rid of leg cramps. Need:

• proper nutrition;
• a reasonable regime of rest and work;
• wearing comfortable, high-quality shoes;
• rejection of bad habits;
• before physical activity, it is necessary to perform a warm-up;
• the use of vitamins, minerals;
• timely diagnosis, treatment of ailments that cause convulsions;
• performance of special gymnastics.

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