Leg cramps are defined as the unconscious firing of only one or a group of muscles and most of us have all most likely had more then one. The rapid beginning of the agony with the cramp, mainly in the calf muscles is often rather incapacitating. Although it does not go on for very long it may leave you in agony and distressed at the time of the cramps. The common signs of a cramp in the lower leg can be a rapid beginning, generally which has a twitching like discomfort. The pain sensation is often extremely painful. The muscles are usually sensitive having a firmness feeling as well as a tense sensation of the stricken muscle. There's often a lack of ability to move the stricken limb. There will be virtually no correlation between age and leg cramps but older people do have a tendency to have them a lot more than the younger individuals. The night time leg cramping pains that appear during the night is usually challenging as they hinder a person’s sleeping making them becoming lethargic and fatigued. The actual reason for the leg cramps along with the pathophysiology is not really evident, however a range of factors might raise the chance of the cramps occurring. They may be more common while pregnant as there are a variety of hormonal alterations and there's the extra stress on the legs. Over doing it when you exercise resulting in muscle tiredness may also increase the chance of leg muscles cramping. This is usually a specific problem if the individual is not used to the particular exercise that they're carrying out. A poor liquid intake producing dehydration could possibly be a problem. Those who are obese can also be at a greater risk due to extra strain on the muscles. Nocturnal cramps can even be a side effects of some medications such as diuretics. People who have a sedentary lifestyle who do not exercise furthermore are most often at a higher risk. A number of nutrient and vitamin insufficiencies can also be regarded as being involved.

Any time a leg cramp occurs the best thing to do is stretch out and also rub the muscles carefully until it eases. Attempt to keep calm and carry out some deep breathing which can also helps. When the cramp subsides, it is often wise to go for a bit of a stroll around the house. When there is a bit of pain after the cramping has ceased, then a heating pad or hot pack can often be valuable, and so is a warm bath or shower. The best way to cope with night cramps is to prevent them from occurring to start with. Consume a lot of liquids and be sure you've got a good balanced diet. Reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol and also caffeine in the hours before you go to bed. Stretches before you go to sleep is claimed by many to be helpful. Some specific dietary supplements for example magnesium often get advised, however these will only aid should there be a deficiency. One simple suggestion is to steer clear of restricted bed coverings since this may easily twist the foot in the incorrect direction and trigger a night cramp. Of utmost significance is to see the medical professional if the cramps continue to persist to be examined for an underlying disorder.