Night time leg cramps are sudden, uncontrollable contractions of the calf muscles that normally occur during the night or while resting. Leg cramps are not uncommon at night, especially as we get older.
Study has not identified accurately what causes nighttime muscle cramps. The problem is most likely with the nerves controlling the muscles rather than with the muscles themselves. There is no precise reason as to why we get night time leg cramps. Some research consider it to be a low defiency in minerals and electrolytes that are needed to prevent muscle cramps.
Minerals such as magnsium, potassium, calcium and sodium are key elements in the prevention of muscle cramping, if the body is void of these elements leg cramps can occur on a regular basis. Marathon runners especially need these elements through vitamin supplements to avoid muscle cramping.
To prevent cramping we must take into consideration of how much of these key elements we are gtting from our every day eating plan. If you are not interested in sourcing your elements from food you can always try stretching your calves on a regular basis. Another way is to take Organic supplements before bed, they can avoid muscle cramping and give you a good nights rest.
The main problem people have is when a leg cramp occurs at night it will disrupt the sleep and can effect the whole day from there. Getting a good nights rest is vital for our health and we are unable to fo this if we cannot prevent our night time leg cramps. There are a few ways we can prevent our cramps. When cramping occurs, try walking on the affected leg and then elevate it. Stretch your calf by grabbing your toes and pulling them upward toward your knee, especially with you leg extended straight. Take a hot shower or warm bath, or apply an ice massage to the cramped muscle. Although this technique could be helpful this is still waking us up in the middle of the night and we are not getting the required amount to sleep..
Persistent or severe leg cramps often are treated with medication. Such medications include diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl), prescription muscle relaxants (off-label use) such as meprobamate (Equanil, Miltown) and verapamil hydrochloride (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan). Quinine, while helpful, has too many side effects and has been banned in the US for this use. To play it safe try organic and natural supplements to prevent muscle cramping. There are some on the supplement market at the moment and are 100% natural unlike other leg cramping supplements.
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