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Can understanding how leg cramps feel, their causes, and prevention help individuals with treatment options?
Table of Contents
A leg cramp is an involuntary contraction of the muscles in the leg, typically the calf muscle. It causes a sudden, sharp, and painful tightening of the muscle. They commonly occur from
Leg cramps typically cause sudden, severe pain in the affected muscle. Individuals may also feel a hard knot or twitching of the muscle. The calf muscles are the most common site. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024)
The underlying cause of leg cramps isn’t always known. However, work, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions can play a role. Common causes include:
Certain lifestyle factors and other physical characteristics can increase the risk of leg cramps and can include: (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024) (National Library of Medicine, 2020)
Leg cramps are also associated with certain medical conditions and treatments for illness. Examples include: (Maughan R. J. & Shirreffs S. M. 2019) (Garrison, S. R. et al., 2020)
Leg cramps often go away on their own after a few minutes. However, other self-care can help. Recommendations: (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024)
There are no medications specifically for treating leg cramps. However, if symptoms are caused by another medical condition, treating the underlying condition might help reduce cramp frequency. Dehydration or low electrolytes can cause leg cramps; in these cases, drinking water or electrolyte-infused beverages can help. If cramps are related to overexercising, consider reducing the intensity of your activity or exercising in a cooler environment. (Maughan R. J. & Shirreffs S. M. 2019) Magnesium supplements are usually marketed to relieve muscle cramps; they are not proven to alleviate them. (Garrison, S. R. et al., 2020)
It is important to know which muscle to target when stretching the leg. If the cramp does not resolve after the first stretch attempt, try again.
Pain in the back of the thigh. Here’s how to stretch the hamstrings (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2018)
The calf muscle is the most common for leg cramps. To stretch the calf muscle (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2018)
They can’t always be prevented. However, if they are related to dehydration or other lifestyle factors, individuals may be able to prevent them from occurring or decrease the frequency. Try the following: (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024)
Leg cramps can sometimes signify something more serious than a Charley horse. See a healthcare provider if any of the following symptoms present (National Library of Medicine, 2020)
Talk to a healthcare provider about leg cramps to learn what interventions would help the most. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2024). How to get rid of muscle cramps in your legs. www.health.harvard.edu/pain/how-to-get-rid-of-muscle-cramps-in-your-legs
National Library of Medicine. (2020). Muscle cramps. Retrieved from medlineplus.gov/musclecramps.html
Maughan, R. J., & Shirreffs, S. M. (2019). Muscle Cramping During Exercise: Causes, Solutions, and Questions Remaining. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 49(Suppl 2), 115–124. doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01162-1
Garrison, S. R., Korownyk, C. S., Kolber, M. R., Allan, G. M., Musini, V. M., Sekhon, R. K., & Dugré, N. (2020). Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 9(9), CD009402. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009402.pub3
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2018). Knee conditioning program. orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/knee-conditioning-program/
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The information herein on "Leg Cramp Causes: Identifying the Triggers" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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