Common Causes of Leg Cramps

Leg cramps, sometimes called "charley horses," are involuntary spasms of the muscles in the legs. They can cause problems ranging from minor discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. These cramps may occur in the calves, hamstrings, or quadriceps, but no matter where they occur, those who experience them want to know how to get rid of them. To prevent leg cramps, one must first identify the cause of this condition. Causes of leg cramps vary from person to person, but there are a variety of common culprits that should be investigated.

Vitamin Deficiencies

• One of the most common causes of leg cramps is vitamin or mineral deficiency. The biggest culprits are a lack of calcium, magnesium and potassium. All of these substances help to regulate muscle activity and control nerve impulses and sensors. A deficiency, or even an imbalance in these minerals can prevent adequate oxygen from reaching the leg muscle, or throw off signals from between the leg muscles and the brain, causing painful leg cramps and spasms. Another common problem is Vitamin E deficiency. Vitamin E helps to improve blood flow, bringing more fresh oxygen to the muscles and reducing leg cramps.

Exercise and Overuse

• Another common cause of leg cramps is simply too much exercise or overuse of the muscles. As you exercise and your muscles start to fatigue, more and more oxygen is needed to keep the muscles going. This is part of the reason that your breathing gets faster and heavier as you work out. Exercising beyond your limits leads to a shortage of oxygen in the leg muscles. Waste material, which is a natural result of exercise and occurs as the muscles break down, becomes trapped within the muscle. In an effort to expel this waste without the normal help of oxygen to feed the muscle, the leg muscles will contract in the form of painful cramping.

Dehydration

• Even mild dehydration can cause leg cramps. As we sweat, our body's water supply is depleted. Along with the loss of water, we experience a reduction in electrolytes and trace minerals such as copper, zinc and chromium. During exercise, water and electrolytes play a major role in flushing toxins from muscles and reducing lactic acid buildup. As we experience a shortage of these substances, our muscles are unable to cleanse and rebuild themselves, leading to involuntary muscle spasms and cramps.

Pregnancy

• Often, leg cramps can be common during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters. This is due to all of the changes taking place in the body during this time, including weight gain, changes in blood circulation, and the need for increased vitamins and minerals. As the baby grows, the blood vessels that connect to the legs may be subject to increased pressure and changes. This, coupled with decreased mobility, can reduce blood flow to the legs, causing oxygen depletion in the muscles.

Circulatory Problems

• Any condition which contributes to poor circulation of the blood can also cause leg cramps and spasms. Diseases ranging from diabetes to heart conditions can slow or block adequate blood flow to the muscles in the legs. Without enough access to blood, the muscles are quickly depleted of their oxygen supply and begin to involuntarily contract. Many medications intended to treat specific conditions will also cause circulatory problems in the form of narrowed or blocked arteries. To help reduce leg cramps caused by poor circulation, stay as active as possible to help keep the blood flowing. This could include daily walks and simple leg stretches.