Causes and Cures of Leg Cramps

Leg cramps can certainly disrupt your life, not only during waking hours but especially the quality of your sleep if your leg cramps come at night. Although the causes of leg cramps are many and vary from individual to individual, there are ways to help get rid of them.

Causes

• Sometimes leg cramps can be a result of a deficiency of certain minerals or enzymes in your body. They can also come as a result of exercise without proper stretching. Some people suffer with leg cramps for years before they find a solution that works for them. For whatever reason, women are more prone to leg cramps than men. Some medications, such as statin drugs and diuretics can cause leg cramps.

Common Cures

• Supplementing your diet with calcium, potassium and magnesium may be the solution for you. Many times, the leg cramps are caused by dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Use a heating pad as soon as the leg begins to cramp. Wear socks to bed. Try alternating a heating pad with an ice bag. Stretch your legs and feet in the evening. Some physicians will prescribe a muscle relaxant if the leg cramps occur nightly.

Uncommon Treatments

• Drinking tonic water in the evening may help. You may also try mixing 2 tbsp. honey with 2 tbsp. vinegar in hot water and drinking it in the evening. An electrolyte replacement drink, such as Gatorade, may help.