|  | Conditions Treatments | Muscle Strain

Medical Information on Leg & Feet Cramps

Leg and feet cramps are very common, especially in adults. Cramps are caused by involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscle group. This continuous contraction causes pain and discomfort and often limits movement.

  1. Typical Natural Causes

    • Cramps often occur from undue pressure on a muscle or from muscle overexertion. Additionally, the American Cancer Society cites many blood-related causes, such as low blood sugar, calcium imbalance, low potassium levels or too much phosphorus.

    Drug-Related Causes

    • Unnatural blood chemistry changes can also cause painful muscle contractions. Medline Plus explains that leg and feet cramps are a known side effect of diuretic and statin medications.

    Neurological Causes

    • In some severe cases, leg and feet cramps are the result of neurological disease, tumors or cancer. In these cases, regular treatment will not cure the cramps.

    Common Treatments

    • Leg and feet cramps can be treated with muscle stretches if the cramp is caused from pressure or overexertion. In the case of blood imbalances, you must restore proper blood chemistry with your doctor's assistance. For drug side effects, consult a doctor for drug alternatives.

    Uncommon Treatments

    • In severe cases, leg and feet cramps must be remedied by treating an underlying neurological condition. Drugs, chemotherapy and surgery are used to treat neurological disorders and cancer.

    Prevention

    • Proper exercise and blood chemistry regulation can prevent most leg and feet cramps, but pressure is often more difficult to control. Pressure-related cramps usually occur at night; to prevent these cramps, adjust your normal sleeping position.

Muscle Strain - Related Articles