When a leg muscle contracts suddenly and forcefully, it causes a leg cramp or a "charley horse." Leg cramps are more commonly seen among young adolescents and older people over 65 years of age. Some leg cramps can last for less than a minute while others may last for longer. In some, leg cramps occur primarily at night called as Noctural leg cramps. These can awaken the person from sleep.
The exact cause is not known but some risk factors are believed to play a role in developing muscle cramps.
Factors believed to be responsible for developing leg cramps are:
-People who weigh more such as athletes or those who train in strength training or weight bearing activities (not necessarily obese people).
-Side effects of some medications such as albuterol, niacin, diuretics, and some calcium channel blockers and antipsychotic medications
-Heavy exercising or different exercise
-Muscle fatigue
-Dehydration
-Electrolyte imbalances
To prevent leg cramps:
-Stay hydrated
-Stretch regularly. Make sure you do not exercise vigorously before sleeping.
-Train gradually. Avoid sudden changes in activity and vigorous exercises.
Home Remedies
1) Walk on the affected leg
2) Massage the cramped muscle
3) Straighten your leg and flex your foot toward your knee and feel your calf muscles stretching
4) Apply a cold pack
5) Take a hot bath
6) Use accupressure: For instant relief, squeeze your upper lip between your thumb and index finger for about 30 seconds.
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answered by P P