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Solutions for Leg Cramps

Leg cramps can occur for a variety of reasons. They can be caused by dehydration, lack of movement, injury, pregnancy or overuse. Leg cramps come in spasms and can cause extreme, sudden pain. While the exact cause of leg cramps is unknown, the solutions are often natural and don't require medication. Most often, proper diet and exercise can help avoid this problem in many people. If the problem persists, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

  1. Solutions

    • Stand on a cold surface to help calm the spasms. Straighten the leg and work the muscle around the ankle by flexing it back and forth many times. Massage your leg where the spasm has occurred. Use localized heat such as a hot towel or heating pad around the affected area later if there is pain or tenderness. Place the foot of the affected leg on a chair and bend toward the chair, which should help stretch the muscle out of the cramp. Do not attempt to stand on the leg or put weight on it.

    Prevention

    • Put your feet up to rest as often as possible during the day. Perform stretching exercises each day to help avoid the possibility of leg cramps. Start a regimen of standing two feet from a wall while placing your palms flat against the wall. Lean forward while keeping your feet firmly on the floor and count to five. Alternate between resting and doing activities during the day; if your feet begin to hurt, sit down and stretch your legs. Drink at least eight 12-ounce glasses of liquid each day. Maintain a well balanced diet that provides adequate levels of calcium and magnesium, which includes dairy and grain products. Bananas, potatoes, and oranges are good for potassium. Nuts, seeds and dark leafy greens are good for calcium and magnesium. Add supplements to your diet to increase the amount of needed nutrients.

    Call Doctor

    • Call your doctor if the leg cramp lasts more than half an hour or comes and goes repeatedly. Call your doctor if you get leg cramps during your last trimester of pregnancy so that they can help you find solutions which will not affect your baby. Call your doctor if the leg cramp gets worse or causes intense pain or throbbing. The doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxer to help with chronic leg cramps and you should follow their instructions to the letter.

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