Reduces the calf of the leg and hurts for a long time. Why cramps the calves of the legs and what to do to eliminate the pathological condition

Often people in a dream experience a condition when they cramp their calves. In a sleeping person, the body is relaxed, muscle tissue reduces activity, and lactic acid accumulates in the calves of the muscles, which contributes to the appearance of seizures.

An unpleasant phenomenon, which manifests itself more often than other convulsions, is called crampy. They are usually accompanied by pain and numbness of the calf muscle, which prevents restful sleep. For proper treatment night cramps, it is necessary to analyze the provoking factors, to establish their cause. With frequent recurrence of seizures, a doctor's consultation is necessary.

Causes of night cramps

The reasons are very different.

  • lack of mobility. Due to the lack of motor activity, the muscles gradually atrophy, as a result, pain in the legs occurs. Office workers and drivers are especially susceptible to this problem.
  • Non-compliance with training technique. A serious mistake is to shift the entire weight on one part of the foot. People who are involved in athletics and strength sports should analyze their activities.
  • Flaw useful substances.
  • Diseases liver, diabetes, dysfunction thyroid gland, anemia, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, heart failure, flat feet.

Seizures during pregnancy

During pregnancy, various kinds of malfunctions in the body are possible. Some of them provoke the occurrence of a convulsive state of the calf muscles. They come on suddenly and often at night. Consider the causes of violations.

  • Deficiency of vitamin B 6, magnesium, potassium, calcium. At an early stage of pregnancy, toxicosis occurs, which remove trace elements from the body.
  • Decreased percentage of glucose in the blood. To maintain glucose levels, pregnant women are advised to split their meals into small portions.
  • Phlebeurysm. In the last period of pregnancy, the increased load does not allow the veins to cope with their work. The blood stagnates, there is a violation of blood circulation, which makes it difficult for the right amount of necessary substances to enter the muscles. Metabolic products are not excreted, creating a favorable background for the appearance of seizures.
  • Syndrome of the inferior vena cava. In a horizontal position, the uterus of a pregnant woman presses on the lower vein, which reduces the outflow of blood, and leads to cramps in the calves.
  • The use of diuretics Excessive amounts can cause leaching of minerals.

Video plot

Among women

Newfangled diets are advised to limit the consumption of certain foods, which threatens with a deficiency of important substances. The lack of magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium contributes to the formation of ionic compounds in the intercellular spaces, which have an exciting effect on the nerve endings, thereby causing painful muscle contraction at night. Mono-diets are considered especially dangerous in this regard.

The use of foods and drinks with a diuretic, choleretic effect contributes to a violation of the water balance in the metabolic process of muscle tissue. Together with the liquid, important trace elements are excreted.

If at night it reduces the calves of the legs, the shoes may also be to blame. Women often wear shoes with high heels, so during the day the legs get tired from long misalignment of the foot, and at night, fatigue and relaxed muscles appear in the form of reflex contractions.

A woman's body experiences a serious load during the menstrual period, due to impaired peripheral circulation.

Video information

Women are prone to spasms due to stress. Small disturbances often end with nocturnal calf cramps.

Seizures in men

The peculiarity of spasms in the male sex is their greater soreness, since the muscles are denser than female ones. The causes of seizures are:

  • Forced immobility, increased loads. Men who are employed suffer from this professional activity: truck drivers, tractor drivers, bulldozer drivers, athletes.
  • Muscle hypothermia. Many men allow themselves to be in cold water bodies of water and neglect warm underwear, which leads to hypothermia of the muscles.
  • Overweight. Body parameters and a huge belly leads to the fact that the hollow inferior vein squeezed, as in pregnant women.
  • Smoking and alcohol. They negatively affect the peripheral blood supply: they spasm the vessels, excite the nerve endings, which provokes convulsions.
  • Dehydration. Strong sweating removes a significant part of the trace elements from the body.

Treatment is allowed folk remedies at home, and medicines.

Treatment of seizures with folk remedies

In case of rare attacks, you can do without medical help, using home remedies. Traditional medicine offers many recipes to help with spasms of the calves of the legs.

  • Fast method. Hold a pinch of salt in your mouth for up to 2 minutes and the cramp will pass.
  • Lemon juice. Take a spoonful of salted lemon juice under the tongue. You can eliminate the disease by lubricating the spasm area with juice.
  • Kvass mixture. Add a teaspoon of yeast to a glass of bread kvass, leave for 6 hours, divide into equal parts according to the number of meals. Take before meals for a month. Improve the taste of the medicine honey.
  • Wormwood tincture. In a container filled with wormwood grass, pour vodka and leave for 2-3 weeks. Rub your feet every evening until the cramps completely disappear.
  • Chamomile mixture. Brew two tablespoons of chamomile as a tea with a liter of boiling water. Drink after meals, the last time before bedtime.
  • Ointment celandine. Mix freshly squeezed celandine juice with medical vaseline 1:2. Rub problem areas for 2 weeks.

To relieve pain and spasms, it is recommended to pull your toes towards you. Then restore blood circulation by doing a massage. You can pinch or prick a muscle. After relief, you need to lie down with raised legs. This method will speed up blood circulation and relax the spasm.

If the effectiveness could not be achieved by folk remedies, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe additional studies.

Over-the-counter seizure medications

In accordance with the identified cause and correctly diagnosed, drugs of different effects are prescribed. In this case, therapy is directed to the elimination of the cause itself. The complex of treatment includes vitamins and trace elements.

vitamins

Ointments

For local treatment, heparin ointment, troxevasin gel, ointments based on horse chestnut, finalgon. With anti-inflammatory and warming properties, they relieve seizures and symptoms of pathologies. Ointments are used at bedtime, applying to the problem area.

Tablets

There are no pills that will completely eliminate convulsions without establishing the underlying cause. But these anticonvulsants are recommended more often than others:

NameActionDosage
"Difenin"Relieves spasms, relaxes muscles.By doctor's prescription.
"Mydocalm"Local anesthetic and muscle relaxant effects.By doctor's prescription.
"Panangin", "Asparkam"Replenishes deficiency of magnesium and potassium.1-2 tablets per day.
"Magnerot"Contains magnesium.2 tablets 3 times a day is used for a long time.
"Analgin", acetylsalicylic acid, "Paracetamol"Pain reliever, anti-inflammatory.1 tablet up to 4 times a day.

With convulsions provoked by varicose veins, popular remedies that relieve inflammation, improve vascular walls, and accelerate blood circulation are: Venoturon 300, Antistax, Venarus, Anavenol.

IMPORTANT! Most of the drugs used in the treatment of seizures have many contraindications, so self-medication is unsafe for health.

Prevention of seizures


To prevent the condition when it reduces the calves of the legs at night, the following preventive rules will help.

  • The diet should fully meet the body's needs for vitamins and minerals.
  • Minimize strong and prolonged stress on the legs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes if possible.
  • Before going to bed, do a foot massage to normalize the blood circulation process and relieve tension.
  • Minimize junk food and drinks.
  • Get rid of bad habits.
  • Protect yourself from unnecessary worries.

In order not to remove water from muscle tissues, after a cup of strong coffee or tea, it is good to replenish the body with 200 milligrams of fluid.

In most cases, calf cramps are not life-threatening. However, with frequent repetitions, they create significant discomfort, so it is necessary to immediately identify the causes of calf spasms and get rid of them using traditional medicine recipes or drug treatment. Do not forget about prevention in order to permanently eliminate this problem.

Cramps - reflex muscle contractions that occur unexpectedly, causing discomfort or pain, make foot actions impossible. All more people turn to doctors with a complaint that reduces the calves of the legs. There are many reasons for the disease. To establish the exact cause and prescribe treatment, you will need to trace all sorts of factors that can provoke the reduction of the calf muscles. It is permissible to treat spasms in the calf muscles with the help of modern medicine, folk remedies.

Depending on the cause of calf flattening, you need to find the correct fix for the problem. It is considered useful to engage in a set of exercises aimed at stretching the muscles and tendons. If the reduction of the calf muscles has become a frequent occurrence, it is shown to consult a doctor and undergo an examination of the body. The solution will help to find dangerous diseases, treatment started in time will prevent their development.

Statistics have shown that every second inhabitant of the planet faces the phenomenon. Most people do not notice such a nuisance. Often the reason for reducing the legs is a lack of potassium, magnesium, calcium. Initially, you will need to make up for the deficiency of these trace elements. With a high frequency of manifestation, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Common reasons are:

  • Physical activity without warming up and stretching the muscles;
  • Prolonged load on the legs as a result of standing or sedentary work;
  • Stress, accompanied by malnutrition;
  • Failure in metabolic processes, as a result of which the muscles do not receive enough oxygen;
  • A sharp drop in temperature causes constriction of blood vessels;
  • Uncomfortable, improperly selected shoes;
  • flat feet;
  • Hormonal failures;
  • SARS;
  • Injuries;
  • Heat;
  • Drug poisoning.

In adulthood, the causes are: excess glucose in the body, slow metabolism, Parkinson's disease. It is extremely rare that caviar reduces due to serious diseases: brain cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, thrombophlebitis.

An additional cause is impaired blood circulation in lower limbs when the blood moves slowly through the veins. This happens in connection with a passive lifestyle, little physical activity. Neurology and diseases of the spine can be attributed to the causes of spasms of the calf muscles. There is a direct connection, since a pinched nerve due to difficulties with the spine gives off an unpleasant sensation in the lower limb.

Why does the calf of the legs when sipping

If it reduces the calves during sipping, the reason is probably an ordinary muscle spasm that occurs during sudden physical exertion. Such cases are especially often seen in women undergoing a large number of time on a high platform, the muscles are in a state of tension also during sleep.

There are several ways to avoid cramps: raise your leg up and pull your toe down. Or it is enough just to massage the place of the spasm, and then smear the leg with a special healing ointment.

Reduces calves when walking

If the calves of the legs are reduced while walking, running, swimming, you should pay attention and identify the factor that causes muscle contraction. The reason, perhaps, is not a deficiency of trace elements, but a violation of blood circulation. In addition to the usual flat feet, the cause is supposed to be the beginning of varicose veins.

You can get rid of a cramp in several ways: pinch or prick with a sharp object the place where it has cramped. However, you need to be extremely careful, there is a high probability of damage to blood vessels or infection. After the injection, it is shown to actively massage the leg, then spread it with a special ointment.

What causes calf cramps in men

More often, convulsions among men are observed in athletes, after strong physical exertion. The reason is a decrease in trace elements and dehydration due to increased sweating. Due to the excessive consumption of sugar, nicotine and caffeine, there is a lack of components necessary for the muscles, causing a contraction of the calf muscle.

Causes of calf muscle cramps in women

Certain factors are known to cause leg cramps in women. The main common reason is wearing shoes with heels. To avoid cramps, it is recommended to wear low-heeled shoes or alternate a high platform with a low one. It often reduces calves in pregnant women, mainly shortly before the birth of the baby, since in the body of the expectant mother there is a deficiency of trace elements and vitamins that are spent on the development of the fetus.

Treatment with elastic stockings will definitely help with varicose veins that cause leg cramps. Stockings help keep the vessels in a static position. It is not recommended to wear shoes on a high platform, use tight belts, sit with one leg crossed over.

Why does it reduce the calves of the legs at night

The question often arises why it reduces the calves at night - in the dark, the muscles are not tense. At night, there is a violation of blood flow, the result is an incorrect sleeping position or vascular problems. Any movement during sleep can cause spasm. Often patients turn to doctors with complaints: sharp spasms in the muscles, acute pain that lasts for several minutes. Doctors are not exactly clear why spasms occur at night. Such seizures are called idiopathic. means that the patient does not have apparent reason for such a state to occur.

If the cramp occurs suddenly, it is shown to change the position of the legs, to allow the muscles to relax. Then the leg needs to be massaged and a cold compress applied.

Proper, balanced nutrition becomes a sure salvation in the fight against cramps. It is recommended to eat more natural products, to refuse fatty, to avoid deficiency of substances necessary for the body. In case of lack of magnesium, potassium and calcium in the body, it is recommended to include apples, dried apricots, bananas, cottage cheese in the diet. In addition to proper nutrition, the use of vitamins will help. For example, vitamin D deficiency is quite capable of becoming a reason for muscle reduction.

How to avoid calf cramps

Most people feel in advance that a cramp will occur. It is worth trying to relax as much as possible. If you need to change your posture. Try to lift the limb, then pull the sole towards the knee. After doing the exercise, sit down and pinch the location of the spasms. Try to shift your body weight onto the cramped leg. After a certain time, blood circulation, leg sensitivity will improve.

With sharp and prolonged leg cramps, immediate medical attention is required, the risk of depression of vital functions, for example, breathing, develops. Do not neglect treatment and examinations, complications are likely in the future.

Treatment of seizures with folk remedies

If convulsions are not frequent, and it is not possible to identify the cause, it is possible to do without the help of a doctor, resort to treatment with folk remedies:

  1. When it reduces the calves of the legs, an effective method often helps in traditional medicine- rubbing the place where the spasm occurred, using mustard oil.
  2. Folk remedy: 3/4 cup of dope seeds to insist in 0.5 liters of 75% alcohol in a place where direct sunlight does not fall, 30 days. When convulsions appear, rub the disturbing place with cotton wool, after dipping it into the tincture. Yeast will help prevent spasms. To compensate for potassium deficiency, make a remedy from them.
  3. Simple magnets will help with cramps, just put objects in the place where the spasm occurred. For treatment, it is recommended to prepare baths from special medicinal herbs: nettle, peppermint, couch grass, yarrow, shepherd's purse. Divide the listed herbs into equal parts. 100 g of herbs pour 250 ml of boiling water, put in a water bath, boil for 20 minutes. Pour the resulting product into a container with water, the temperature of which does not exceed 38-40 degrees. Put the legs in the decoction so that the calves of the legs are completely immersed, hold for 20 minutes. Doing the procedure is worth 10 days in a row.

Treatment with folk remedies is much more profitable and more priority than expensive medicines.

It is permissible to perform exercises to prevent calf spasms in advance, aimed at improving blood circulation, stretching and relaxing muscles. If you carefully monitor the condition of the body and treat it in time, there is a high probability of avoiding spasms of the calf muscles.

Cramps - reflex muscle contractions that occur unexpectedly, causing discomfort or pain, make foot actions impossible. More and more people are turning to doctors with a complaint that reduces the calves of the legs. There are many reasons for the disease. To establish the exact cause and prescribe treatment, you will need to trace all sorts of factors that can provoke the reduction of the calf muscles. It is permissible to treat spasms in the calf muscles with the help of modern medicine, folk remedies.

Table of contents [Show]

The main causes of calf muscle cramps

Depending on the cause of calf flattening, you need to find the correct fix for the problem. It is considered useful to engage in a set of exercises aimed at stretching the muscles and tendons. If the reduction of the calf muscles has become a frequent occurrence, it is shown to consult a doctor and undergo an examination of the body. The solution will help to find dangerous diseases, treatment started in time will prevent their development.

Statistics have shown that every second inhabitant of the planet faces the phenomenon. Most people do not notice such a nuisance. Often the reason for reducing the legs is a lack of potassium, magnesium, calcium. Initially, you will need to make up for the deficiency of these trace elements. With a high frequency of manifestation, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Convulsive muscle contraction

Common causes of muscle spasms are:

  • Physical activity without warming up and stretching the muscles;
  • Prolonged load on the legs as a result of standing or sedentary work;
  • Stress, accompanied by malnutrition;
  • Failure in metabolic processes, as a result of which the muscles do not receive enough oxygen;
  • A sharp drop in temperature causes constriction of blood vessels;
  • Uncomfortable, improperly selected shoes;
  • flat feet;
  • Hormonal failures;
  • SARS;
  • Injuries;
  • Heat;
  • Drug poisoning.

In adulthood, the causes are: excess glucose in the body, slow metabolism, Parkinson's disease. It is extremely rare that caviar reduces due to serious diseases: brain cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, thrombophlebitis.

An additional cause is impaired blood circulation in the lower extremities, when the blood moves weakly through the veins. This happens in connection with a passive lifestyle, little physical activity. Neurology and diseases of the spine can be attributed to the causes of spasms of the calf muscles. There is a direct connection, since a pinched nerve due to difficulties with the spine gives off an unpleasant sensation in the lower limb.

Cramping in the leg

Why does the calf of the legs when sipping

If it reduces the calves during sipping, the reason is probably an ordinary muscle spasm that occurs during sudden physical exertion. Such cases are especially often seen in women who have spent a large amount of time on a high platform, the muscles are in a state of tension also during sleep.

There are several ways to avoid cramps: raise your leg up and pull your toe down. Or it is enough just to massage the place of the spasm, and then smear the leg with a special healing ointment.

Reduces calves when walking

If the calves of the legs are reduced while walking, running, swimming, you should pay attention and identify the factor that causes muscle contraction. The reason, perhaps, is not a deficiency of trace elements, but a violation of blood circulation. In addition to the usual flat feet, the cause is supposed to be the beginning of varicose veins.

You can get rid of a cramp in several ways: pinch or prick with a sharp object the place where it has cramped. However, you need to be extremely careful, there is a high probability of damage to blood vessels or infection. After the injection, it is shown to actively massage the leg, then spread it with a special ointment.

What causes calf cramps in men

More often, convulsions among men are observed in athletes, after strong physical exertion. The reason is a decrease in trace elements and dehydration of the body due to increased sweating. Due to the excessive consumption of sugar, nicotine and caffeine, there is a lack of components necessary for the muscles, causing a contraction of the calf muscle.

Muscle contraction in a man

Causes of calf muscle cramps in women

Certain factors are known to cause leg cramps in women. The main common reason is wearing shoes with heels. To avoid cramps, it is recommended to wear low-heeled shoes or alternate a high platform with a low one. It often reduces calves in pregnant women, mainly shortly before the birth of the baby, since in the body of the expectant mother there is a deficiency of trace elements and vitamins that are spent on the development of the fetus.

Treatment with elastic stockings will definitely help with varicose veins that cause leg cramps. Stockings help keep the vessels in a static position. It is not recommended to wear shoes on a high platform, use tight belts, sit with one leg crossed over.

Why does it reduce the calves of the legs at night

The question often arises of why it reduces calves at night - in the dark, the muscles are not tense. At night, there is a violation of blood flow, the result is an incorrect sleeping position or vascular problems. Any movement during sleep can cause spasm. Often patients turn to doctors with complaints: sharp spasms in the muscles, acute pain that lasts for several minutes. Doctors are not exactly clear why spasms occur at night. Such seizures are called idiopathic. It means that the patient has no apparent reason for the occurrence of such a condition.

If the cramp occurs suddenly, it is shown to change the position of the legs, to allow the muscles to relax. Then the leg needs to be massaged and a cold compress applied.

Proper, balanced nutrition becomes a sure salvation in the fight against cramps. It is recommended to eat more natural products, to refuse fatty, to avoid deficiency of substances necessary for the body. In case of lack of magnesium, potassium and calcium in the body, it is recommended to include apples, dried apricots, bananas, cottage cheese in the diet. In addition to proper nutrition, the use of vitamins will help. For example, vitamin D deficiency is quite capable of becoming a reason for muscle reduction.

How to avoid calf cramps

Most people feel in advance that a cramp will occur. It is worth trying to relax as much as possible. With cramps in the calves of the legs, you will need to change the position. Try to lift the limb, then pull the sole towards the knee. After doing the exercise, sit down and pinch the location of the spasms. Try to shift your body weight onto the cramped leg. After a certain time, blood circulation, leg sensitivity will improve.

With sharp and prolonged leg cramps, immediate medical attention is required, the risk of depression of vital functions, for example, breathing, develops. Do not neglect treatment and examinations, complications are likely in the future.

Seizure treatment

Treatment of seizures with folk remedies

If convulsions are not frequent, and it is not possible to identify the cause, it is possible to do without the help of a doctor, resort to treatment with folk remedies:

  1. When it reduces the calves of the legs, an effective method in folk medicine often helps - rubbing the place where the spasm occurred, using mustard oil.
  2. Folk remedy: 3/4 cup of dope seeds to insist in 0.5 liters of 75% alcohol in a place where direct sunlight does not fall, 30 days. When convulsions appear, rub the disturbing place with cotton wool, after dipping it into the tincture. Yeast will help prevent spasms. To compensate for potassium deficiency, make a remedy from them.
  3. Simple magnets will help with cramps, just put objects in the place where the spasm occurred. For treatment, it is recommended to prepare baths from special medicinal herbs: nettle, peppermint, couch grass, yarrow, shepherd's purse. Divide the listed herbs into equal parts. 100 g of herbs pour 250 ml of boiling water, put in a water bath, boil for 20 minutes. Pour the resulting product into a container with water, the temperature of which does not exceed 38-40 degrees. Put the legs in the decoction so that the calves of the legs are completely immersed, hold for 20 minutes. Doing the procedure is worth 10 days in a row.

Treatment with folk remedies is much more profitable and more priority than expensive medicines.

It is permissible to perform exercises to prevent calf spasms in advance, aimed at improving blood circulation, stretching and relaxing muscles. If you carefully monitor the condition of the body and treat it in time, there is a high probability of avoiding spasms of the calf muscles.

Sometimes during training, your calves can cramp. What to do in such a situation and how to prevent it? You will find the answer in our article!

Often during training, the calf muscle cramps. Sometimes the pain is so unbearable that you have to stop training to rest and perform recovery exercises. What to do if it reduces the calf muscle and how to prevent it?

A cramp is an attack of involuntary muscle contraction, which is accompanied by their strong tension. According to statistics, about 75% of people suffer from leg cramps, some have isolated cases, some suffer from calf muscle cramps all the time. If spasms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor to find out the causes and treat this condition.

Why do seizures occur?

There are cramps due to physical exertion, especially if they were sudden and too much, thermal exposure (cold water), some people experience cramps even with a sudden change in weather.

Seizures can also occur when a person undergoes any physiological changes (pregnancy, puberty, climax). Biological restructuring causes a change in the level of many substances in the blood, such as sodium, potassium, calcium. Seizures sometimes accompany damage to the nervous system and stress.

A change in diet can also trigger this condition, and cramps are often experienced by those who abuse alcohol.

Seizures can be a manifestation of diseases such as spasmophilia, eclampsia, epilepsy, trauma and brain tumors, inflammation.

Since the causes of cramps can be very serious illness, if this disease occurs, you should consult a doctor.

Cramps of the calf muscles

It is not uncommon for cramps in the calves to come on in the morning when stretching in bed. There may be several reasons for this: lack of calcium, potassium and magnesium, varicose veins, flat feet. In athletes, cramps can occur due to heavy physical exertion and muscle fatigue. Stress, overweight and a sedentary lifestyle also cause cramps in the calf muscles.

During exercise, cramps can occur for the following reasons:

  • along with sweat, water leaves the body, which washes out potassium and calcium;
  • insufficient warm-up;
  • large volume of training;

What to do if it reduces the calf muscle?

If in the gym you feel that your leg is cramping, your actions should be aimed at improving blood circulation to the reduced muscle. Squeeze the muscle strongly, and for 15-20 seconds, press into its central part with your index finger. Breathe deeply during this.

Spasm of the lower body can be relieved by strongly squeezing (without sharp pain) the middle of the lower lip for 30 seconds.

Also, during a cramp, you can do a massage that will relax the spasmodic muscle, improve blood circulation and relieve spasm.

To quickly remove pain with spasm, you should stretch the reduced muscle. To do this, you can use the following exercise: stand facing the wall at a distance of one step, feet slightly more than shoulder width apart. Place your hands above your head and rest against the wall. Take small steps back, keeping your feet off the floor. Pull back until you feel a stretch in your calf muscles. Stretching should not feel uncomfortable, so stop as soon as you start to feel pain, stay in this position for 30 seconds. To make the cramp pass faster, rub and pinch the reduced muscle.

Prevention of calf cramps

The most important point in preventing cramps and spasms is taking special supplements and reviewing the diet. As noted above, the lack of potassium, magnesium and calcium in the body provokes the occurrence of seizures. All this happens because a person often does not receive a daily dose of these substances with food. For those suffering from cramps, magnesium supplements or medications are recommended. Since this element is better absorbed in the presence of calcium, calcium supplements should also be taken in combination with vitamin D, which improves its absorption.

The diet should be rich in fresh fruits and herbs. Eat natural sources of calcium, magnesium and potassium every day. Drinking mineral water will also be beneficial.

  • Calcium - milk, cottage cheese, cheese, almonds
  • Magnesium - buckwheat, walnuts, legumes
  • Potassium - dried apricots, raisins, beets, sunflower seeds, garlic.

Exercises to treat calf cramps

Certain physical exercises help to fight, as well as prevent the reduction of the calf muscles. Two types of exercises are used for this:

  • exercises that are performed when a cramp occurs to relieve spasm and relieve pain;
  • exercises that are performed to prevent seizures and reduce the frequency of their occurrence.

If the leg is cramped, massage and muscle stretching will help relieve pain and discomfort. To relieve spasm, the following exercises are suitable.

  • Straighten your leg, place your foot so that the toe is turned towards the knee (for additional stretching of the flattened muscle, clasp the foot with your hands, pull the toe of the foot towards you).
  • Walk on your heels for a few minutes.
  • If cramps often reduce the leg, you should perform exercises three times a day aimed at preventing spasms of the calf muscle.
  • Stand against the wall at a distance of about half a meter. Lean forward, stretch your arms and touch the wall, while the feet remain on the floor. Hold this position for a few seconds, relax. Do the exercise for five minutes.

To prevent cramps, a bodybuilder needs to eat right and take supplements with vitamins and minerals. If you are taking all the necessary preventive measures, but convulsions still occur, be sure to contact a specialist.

Cramps are very unpleasant and painful muscle numbness that occurs involuntarily. These contractions have different duration, intensity and prevalence. In medicine, seizures are classified depending on the duration, degree of muscle involvement, and location.

There are many reasons for seizures. Sometimes they are episodic and do not require special treatment.

But if convulsions bother you quite often, then this may be a signal of some serious illness.

Seizure options

Leg cramps at night

Particularly unpleasant and painful are leg cramps at night. A sharp pain leads to awakening, the reduced muscle stops hurting immediately. Night cramps occur in both children and adults, at the same time it should be noted that the age factor has an important role in this vein.

Causes of night cramps can be:

  1. muscle fatigue;
  2. Problems in the work of the nervous system;
  3. Pregnancy period;
  4. Certain diseases that reduce normal blood flow to the extremities;
  5. Taking certain medications;
  6. flat feet;

There is an opinion that cramps at night are associated with a person’s posture in a dream: the knees are slightly bent, and the feet are lowered down. This provokes shortening of the muscles, resulting in painful spasms.

Toe cramps

Let's try to figure out why it cramps the feet.

Toe cramps always occur abruptly and unexpectedly. Can pull one or several fingers at once. Possible reasons:

  1. Wearing uncomfortable, tight shoes;
  2. Hypothermia of the legs;
  3. Lack of vitamins and microelements;
  4. Violation of normal blood circulation in the feet;

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Cramps of the calf muscle

A calf cramp is the most painful of all types of spasms. A few moments before the spasm, you can feel a slight pulling of the muscle.

The calf muscle more often than all other muscle groups, cramps.

Symptoms of a calf cramp:

  1. Sharp pain;
  2. The leg is very tense at the site of spasm;
  3. It is impossible to stand on the whole foot;
  4. Muscles become very elastic and dense;

Causes of calf cramps:

  1. Deficiency of vitamins and microelements;
  2. Chronic fatigue as a result of prolonged stay on the legs, exhausting sports;
  3. Venous insufficiency;
  4. Atherosclerosis;
  5. swelling of the legs;
  6. The use of diuretics;
  7. Diseases of the lumbar spine.

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Causes of seizures

Primary causes of seizures

Primary (idiopathic) seizures occur for no apparent reason. Presumably, the appearance of primary muscle spasms can be influenced by:

  1. Overexertion of muscles as a result of physical exertion. If a person spent the whole day on his feet without rest, was very tired during sports, carried heavy loads or walked a long distance in uncomfortable shoes, muscle failure occurs. In such cases, the likelihood of muscle spasms increases;
  2. Sudden violation of blood circulation in the limbs;
  3. Natural shortening of the tendons that occurs in old age;
  4. Uncomfortable posture during sleep;

Secondary causes of seizures

Secondary the causes of seizures are symptoms of certain diseases, as well as disorders in the functioning of the human body:

magnesium deficiency

This trace element is necessary for the normal process of muscle contractions. Magnesium deficiency can be associated with malnutrition.

Sometimes the cause of a deficiency of this microelement can be diseases that prevent the normal absorption of magnesium entering the body.

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency are:

  • insomnia, fatigue;
  • depression;
  • back pain;
  • frequent fractures and dislocations;
  • headache;
  • high blood pressure;
  • arthritis;
  • heart disease;
  • frequent convulsions and nervous tics of the eyes;

calcium deficiency

Calcium is the physiological "partner" of magnesium.

Lack of calcium can also cause seizures.

The main signs of calcium deficiency in the body include:

  • fragile and painful bones;
  • split ends, unhealthy hair, brittle nails;
  • unhealthy teeth;
  • loss of strength, irritability;
  • convulsions;

Deficiency of calcium and magnesium after a while can lead to significant changes in the biochemical composition of the blood.

Lack of iron in the body (anemia)

Since iron is involved in the saturation of cells with oxygen, its lack can provoke muscle spasm.

Deficiency of glucose in the body

It can occur during diets, as well as as a result of the use of hypoglycemic drugs.

Sudden changes in human body temperature

Usually cause short-term convulsions. They can occur during the course of the disease, as well as as a result of sunstroke.

Irritation of the motor area of ​​the brain

The area of ​​the brain that is responsible for muscle contraction can be affected by nerve impulses:

  • with flu;
  • during a stroke, as well as during the rehabilitation period after it;
  • with SARS;
  • with alcohol poisoning;

Diseases of the vessels of the legs

During vascular diseases, normal blood flow is disturbed, as a result of which the tissues do not receive the necessary amount of oxygen. Local hypoxia develops.

Diseases of the lower spine

During these diseases, the nerve endings are pinched, which leads to a violation of the sensitivity of certain muscle groups.

High temperature outside

The body during the heat with sweat loses a lot of fluid and salts, which can lead to seizures.

Taking contraceptive hormonal drugs

Causes of frequent seizures

If convulsions are disturbed not occasionally, but often enough, the reasons for this may be:

  1. muscle fatigue;
  2. Excess weight;
  3. Frequent stress and emotional stress;
  4. Violations of the endocrine and nervous systems;

In no case should you ignore frequent muscle spasms.

You should definitely consult a doctor, as regular cramps can be a signal of many serious diseases.

Seizures in pregnant women

During pregnancy, almost all women complain of muscle spasms in the legs. This is a completely normal phenomenon that disappears without a trace after the birth of the baby. Causes of frequent seizures in expectant mothers:

  1. Excess weight;
  2. An enlarged uterus puts pressure on the vessels and nerve endings of the legs, as a result of which blood circulation is disturbed;
  3. The volume of blood increases, causing swelling of blood vessels and tissues;
  4. Predisposition to varicose veins;
  5. High need for vitamins and trace elements;
  6. Change in hormonal status.

Seizures in children

In children, the occurrence of seizures is most often associated with the active growth and development of the whole organism. The main causes of spasms in children are:

  1. Hypothermia of the legs;
  2. flat feet;
  3. Lack of vitamins;
  4. Finding legs in an uncomfortable position for a long time;

Diagnostics

With regular convulsions, it is imperative to see a doctor. First you need to visit a therapist who will conduct an examination, prescribe the necessary tests.

Perhaps the doctor will refer you for a consultation with another specialist: a neuropathologist, an endocrinologist, a cardiologist.

If any disease turns out to be the cause of spasms, then after a course of treatment, convulsions should disappear. If no diseases that could cause convulsions are found, you just need to follow simple preventive recommendations.

Ways to deal with leg cramps

It is possible and necessary to deal with this problem.

You just need to eliminate the cause that causes convulsions.

Over time, only memories will remain from painful spasms.

Tips for those who want to get rid of cramps once and for all:

  1. It is necessary to revise and diversify your diet;
  2. Exercise moderately, avoid overexertion;
  3. Do not abuse diuretics;
  4. Perform simple stretching exercises;

How to give first aid

  1. There is no need to panic if you cramp your legs at night. You need to relax and breathe deeply to improve the blood supply to the tissues;
  2. Next, you need to carefully stand on the floor, put your feet together and straighten your back;
  3. You can pull your foot towards you. It will hurt, but a little patience is needed. When the muscle stretches a little, the spasm will pass;
  4. If the cramp does not go away, you can pinch your leg, rub it;
  5. Massage with a warming ointment helps;
  6. After the attack, it is necessary to lie down so that the legs are above the level of the head;

It often happens that a cramp reduces the leg in the water: at sea, in the pool. This is quite dangerous, so you need to know how to act in such cases. If a cramp has cramped your leg in the pool, you need to stop swimming. If the spasm grabbed the muscle at a depth in the sea, the actions should be as follows:

  1. Roll over from stomach to back
  2. Try to pull the foot towards you;
  3. If the cramp does not go away, a prick with a pin will help, which must be pinned to a swimsuit or swimming trunks just in case;

Cramps most often occur in cold water. Do not swim in water that is below 18 degrees.

Prevention measures

This problem can be avoided by following these guidelines:

  1. Wear comfortable quality shoes;
  2. Avoid excessive stress on the legs;
  3. Do exercises in the morning;
  4. Reduce the amount of coffee consumed;
  5. Regular foot massage
  6. A contrast shower helps a lot;
  7. A varied diet will saturate the body with vitamins and trace elements;

Let's sum it up:

  • Cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that can occur in both children and adults.
  • The causes of seizures can be both a lack of vitamins in the body, and some diseases, as well as physical activity.
  • Most often, seizures occur at night.
  • During pregnancy, muscle spasms disturb almost all women, and do not require special treatment.
  • Convulsions in children are associated with the growth and development of the whole organism.
  • Diagnosis of seizures is very important, as it helps to identify certain diseases.
  • It is important to know how to provide first aid at the time of convulsions. Muscle spasms are especially dangerous while swimming in the pool or at the sea.
  • If you carry out simple preventive actions, you can avoid this extremely unpleasant phenomenon.

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Video on which you can familiarize yourself with the causes of leg cramps and consider treatment methods:

Pain in the calves of the legs, discomfort in the muscles and cramps are quite common. Many do not even pay attention when something like this happens, and doctors are in no hurry to be alert when patients with such symptoms turn to them. If your calves cramp, the cause most often lies in hypocalcemia or hypokalemia. A lack of calcium and potassium is observed in 75% of people who cramp the calves of their legs. As a rule, it is enough to make up for the deficiency of these substances, and everything will fall into place. But there are some nuances.

Reduces the calves of the legs - treatment and prevention

Potassium and calcium are trace elements that interfere with the absorption of each other. That is, if a person has too many foods containing calcium in his diet (hard cheeses, cottage cheese, milk and fish), then potassium will be absorbed worse and there will be a deficiency. If there are a lot of legumes, cabbage, greens, bananas and other foods rich in potassium, there will be a lack of calcium. Therefore, if you often cramp your calves, you most likely need to reconsider your diet. First of all, try to eat foods high in calcium and potassium at different times of the day. Since magnesium helps to absorb potassium well, you can add foods high in this trace element to your diet.

If it reduces the calves of the legs when sipping

If your calves cramp when you sip, it is likely that the cause lies in a short-term muscle spasm, which indicates high physical exertion. If you spent all day on your feet, and even in high heels, the overworked calf muscles remain in a tense state even during sleep. When you are already rested and full of strength, the muscles are just beginning to relax and straighten, a spasm occurs. In the morning, it reduces the muscles of the legs of sellers, stewardesses, ballerinas and representatives of other professions with high loads.

A simple exercise will help to cope with a cramp: you need to raise your leg up, and pull the toe of the foot towards you. If your calves are very cramped, it is problematic to stand up, or even sit down, try stretching the muscle with your hands, pinching, pricking. As soon as the spasm passes, smear the calves with a warming ointment.

If it reduces the calves of the legs when walking

In the case when convulsions appear directly when walking, swimming, or other physical activity, the reasons may be not only in calcium or potassium deficiency, but also in circulatory disorders. Sometimes it reduces calves when walking in women prone to varicose veins, which helps to detect the disease in time and take all necessary measures so that it does not progress. Also, the cause may be banal flat feet.

There are several ways to quickly get rid of cramps:

  1. Prick the reduced place with a pin, or pinch hard.
  2. Stand on a sore leg, rise on the toe, then lower on the heel and tighten the toes.
  3. Make an intense massage with a warming agent.

If you are interested in prevention, follow these rules:

  1. Keep your legs and calves warm.
  2. Eat right, take extra vitamins and minerals if necessary.
  3. Avoid high loads on your legs, walk less in high heels.
  4. come through scheduled examination at the doctor every six months.

If often reduces the calves of the legs

If you read this article, and the question of why cramping the calves of the legs remains unanswered, it's time to see a doctor. This is quite rare, but sometimes seizures are symptoms of neurological diseases, such as epilepsy. Or they indicate a brain tumor and other serious diseases. If you can’t cope with the problem on your own, do not take risks, consult a professional.

Also, such cramps are a common occurrence in pregnant women. Due to the lack of vitamins and minerals, as well as increased mass, in women in position, the calves of the legs also reduce. If the reason lies precisely in this - accept our congratulations, everything is in order with you!

Leg cramps can occur for a variety of reasons. influences general state health, age, pregnancy and other factors. Applicable to every case individual approach and treatment.

Leg cramps - what is it

Convulsive manifestations can be characterized by unexpected spasms, sharp, sharp pains, numbness in the limbs caused by improper muscle contractions.

The feet or calf muscle mass are primarily affected. Relief comes only after they are relaxed. Such painful conditions are classified according to their duration and frequency.

Varieties of seizures

The two most common types of spasms are tonic and clonic.

The 1st option lasts longer, the 2nd is characterized by short-term attacks: no more than 5 minutes.

tonic convulsions

Such convulsions can seize various parts of the body. Manifestations related to the calf muscles, foot and toes are called crumples. The sensations caused by them are very painful.

Clonic convulsions

Rapidly changing states of tension and rest of muscle structures accompany the excitation of the cerebral cortex.

Types of muscle spasms

According to the area covered, convulsive pains are also classified.

Localized spasms

This option affects a specific area, increasing it muscle tone. First urgent care, rendered to the patient with a tonic variety of localized spasm: elimination of all light, noise and sound stimuli, providing the patient with complete rest.

Generalized spasms

When the pain affects the entire body or most of it, doctors call this type of generalized. In this case, there is a simultaneous reduction of all covered areas. The reasons can be many: epilepsy, vascular diseases, brain tumors and others.

Leg cramps: which doctor to contact

An appeal to a specialist is especially necessary if a person often feels cramps in his legs. The reasons why they occur should not be tried to find out on your own.

The therapist will prescribe an examination for the patient, and according to its results, the appropriate medical profile during which treatment will continue.

What causes cramps in the muscles of the legs at night - the reasons for which it reduces the legs, grabs the legs

There are several causes of night cramps.

Dehydration

Violation of the water balance is fraught with the fact that, along with the liquid, the body leaves the necessary ions, trace elements and other substances. This condition often occurs when increased sweating, but with a small amount of water consumed. It is also detrimental to improper dieting.

Diuretics

The same situation can provoke an abnormal intake of diuretics. This phenomenon is especially common in the elderly.

Lack of trace elements and vitamins

Another common cause: nutrient deficiencies:

  • magnesium;
  • potassium;
  • calcium (poorly absorbed with a lack of magic);
  • vitamins of group "B" (often they are not enough for those who do not eat meat);
  • sodium.

High body temperature

Leg cramps in elevated temperature usually occurs in young children. Their nature is still little studied, but there is an assumption that they are associated with the unstable work of the nervous system.

muscle fatigue

Muscle overload often leads to nocturnal cramps. The risk of this type of convulsive damage increases with active sports, and if a person's work is associated with heavy loads during the day.

Stress

The phenomenon is explained by the fact that in stressful situations, people have a lack of calcium.

The last one in turnresponsible for the relaxation of muscle tissue.

Osteochondrosis

Foot problems are associated with disorders in lumbar spine. Leg cramps are no exception. This consequence is a complication of osteochondrosis.

Pathological changes in blood vessels

When the structure of the vessels changes, as happens with varicose veins, convulsions may occur at night. They are characterized by pulling sensations, sharp pain and "petrification".

Stroke

Violation of blood circulation in the brain does not pass without a trace: many cells die, cystic cavities form.

Dying tissues cause convulsive pain.

Other diseases

The above ailments are only a small part of the possible explanations for seizures. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by the attending physician.

Cramps in the calves and toes during pregnancy - causes

The period of bearing a baby is a joyful event, but at the same time overshadowed by various unpleasant symptoms. Reduces legs with cramps in the expectant mother common reasons, as during pregnancy, many hidden diseases of different areas are manifested.

There is an increase in varicose veins, vascular diseases make themselves felt. In addition to this, the load on the lower body increases, because the growing belly puts more and more pressure every day.

But it is not at all necessary that spasms appear in a pregnant woman due to any disease. If they become noticeable in the second and third trimesters, then the reason is a lack of calcium. This substance begins to be actively drawn in at night. Mothers often do not have enough of it, as the child takes most of it for himself - hence the cause of night pains.

Gynecologists, starting from the 2nd trimester, prescribe calcium and magnesium B6 to support the body. Last drug it is used several times in courses to improve the absorption of the 1st component, it is taken at bedtime.

Leg cramps in a child - causes

For a growing organism, such painful muscle contractions are of great danger. The risk of injury to the limb at the time of the attack increases.

Convulsive mobility also occurs in infants: outwardly it is similar to nervous tic. For a child, an attack is painless, but it serves as a reason for contacting a pediatrician, because it is not the norm.

In children under 1 year of age, these symptoms may indicate a delay mental development and other serious violations. Adolescents who suffer from seizures often have problems related to nervous system.

Causes of cramps in the calf muscle when stretching the legs

One of the most likely causes of calf spasm during a facelift is considered to be a violation of blood circulation in this area.

Why cramps legs in water

Swimming in a lake or river, you can feel sharp pain and numbness in the leg. Such an effect is dangerous because, without feeling the limbs, it is difficult to stay on the surface for a long time, and if the trouble is caught at a great depth, then the person risks drowning. This is due to hypothermia of muscle tissue.

The temperature in the reservoir should not be below 18 degrees, otherwise a sharp drop will cause the muscle to contract. The correct behavior in this situation is to pull the foot forward, which causes the calf to relax. This process is painful, but necessary. Feeling relieved, you should immediately move towards the shore.

Leg cramps in athletes (after exercise)

Similar consequences most often occur with enhanced training aimed at a specific part of the body. Muscles become “heavy”, hard to the touch, and impossible to relax.

Inexperienced athletes who neglect important principles during exercise, such as warming up and gradually increasing the load, get cramps in the lower extremities as a result.

Leg cramps after drinking alcohol

Moderate consumption of alcoholic products does not provoke any consequences, but when it turns into chronic form, the appearance of alcoholic convulsions is possible. This happens with a sharp deprivation of an addicted person of a strong drink. Statistics show that 10% of all alcoholics suffer from this symptom. The pain in the legs is drawing and squeezing.

What to do if your leg cramps and does not let go - how to quickly relieve a cramp in your leg

The first thing to do when the syndrome has begun is to establish the correct even breathing, enter a state of rest. There is a common misconception that you need to prick your leg with a needle, but this technique is questionable and unsafe.

The injection carries the risk of infection under the skin. In addition, the short pain that it causes should provoke a reflex contraction, and not relaxation of the muscle.

Effective methods are called warm-up, compresses, massage. The latter method has some limitations: it should not be used for varicose veins.

Calf and toe massage

A plus this method lies in the possibility of independent influence. It is a good preventive measure, but during an exacerbation, care should be taken so as not to harm the soft tissues.

  1. Regardless of the cause, with cramps in the legs, you need to perform light strokes with your palms, starting from the bottom.
  2. Improve the state of patting.
  3. Finding a point in the center of the foot, you should apply circular motions thumb.
  4. You need to shake the muscle from side to side.

Light leg exercises: flexion-extension

  • In a sitting position, you should smoothly bend and unbend your toes.
  • Then they make circular movements with their feet.
  • Alternately raise your legs and pull your socks to the floor.
  • In the same position, they “walk” from heel to toe and back.
  • Standing up, leaning their hands on a chair, they stand on the toe of the left leg and bend the right one at the knee. Then repeat the same for the other side.

Hot compress or heating pad

Applying a hot surface is one of the most effective means to relieve convulsive pain. It promotes vasodilation and relaxation of the overstressed area.

It should be remembered that the duration of exposure should be moderate in order to avoid skin burns. It is also important to take into account the general condition: do not use a heater or compresses at elevated temperatures if there are suppurations.

Why does my leg hurt after a cramp?

Residual pain can last more than one week. It is associated with a lack of oxygen, circulatory disorders, overexertion and other situations. Often this phenomenon occurs in the elderly, but young people can also be affected, especially pregnant women and professional athletes.

Treating leg cramps in the elderly

According to statistics, 50% of older people complain of leg cramps. The reasons why this happens are associated with diseases, lack of trace elements. The ambulance doctor diagnoses this phenomenon, provides first aid and explains to the patient further actions.

Depending on the identified disease, the specialist prescribes appropriate medications and vitamins.

Treatment of leg cramps with drugs

It is important to understand that medications have an effect not on the convulsive pains themselves, but on what causes them. Since these situations can be different and located in different areas, then medications are prescribed individually.

Tablets for leg cramps: potassium and magnesium preparations (asparkam, panangin, magnerot)

There are quite a lot of medicines containing potassium and magnesium in various forms: from ordinary vitamin complexes to potent chemicals.

  • Asparkam Sold as tablets or liquid injections. Its reception is indicated for muscle overload and other disorders. Contraindications relate to kidney disease and Bladder. During pregnancy, the drug is approved for use, but with caution.
  • Panangin- This is an analogue that, among other deviations, specializes in restoring the correct functioning of the heart. Before use, you must familiarize yourself with its contraindications and side effects, consult a doctor.
  • Magnerot- another tool that supplies magnesium to the body. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the method of its supply is convenient for absorption and penetration directly into the muscle tissue.

Calcium for leg cramps

Calcium deficiency causes nighttime leg cramps. The reasons for its lack and poor digestibility lie in insufficient intake or in an imbalance in human body. The daily norm of a microelement for a woman or a man ranges from 450 to 800 mg. During pregnancy, this figure rises to 1500 mg. For a person involved in sports, the minimum value is one thousand mg.

For babies up to 6 months, it is enough to consume 400 mg of the substance, and for older children - 600. Starting from the 1st year, the required amount corresponds to 800 mg.

What vitamins to take for leg cramps

Vitamin complex required for use:

  • B1 eliminates oxygen starvation of the muscle;
  • B2 responsible for conducting nerve impulses;
  • B6- an element involved in the construction of cells, especially useful for infants;
  • B12 regulates biochemical processes, saturates with oxygen;
  • E dilates blood vessels, reduces the viscosity of the blood flow;
  • D restores the balance between potassium and magnesium.

What ointments help with leg cramps: heparin ointment, troxevasin gel, horse chestnut ointments

Various gels are used for relief and treatment.

Heparin ointment improves venous blood flow, therefore it is prescribed to people with varicose veins. It is rubbed into the skin twice or thrice a day for 10 days.

Troxevasin is a broad-spectrum gel that has virtually no contraindications and is effective for leg cramps. The reasons for this action are active substance having a natural origin. Experts call the 1st trimester of childbearing and individual intolerance to the component a ban on the use.

Ointments based on horse chestnut are well-deservedly popular. This plant has properties that have a beneficial effect on the areas affected by spasms. In addition to it, chestnut ointment relieves swelling, improves blood circulation, and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.

Glycerin for leg cramps

Pharmaceutical glycerin is suitable as an auxiliary agent. They rub their calves and fingers at night, like a regular cream.

Drinking water for leg cramps

In addition to nutrition, drinking regimen should also be regulated. The amount of fluid you drink per day should be 2 or 3 liters. This includes juices, compotes, fruit drinks, water, green tea. The consumption of black tea and coffee should be limited. Also, you do not need to abuse drinks that have a diuretic effect in order to avoid the loss of the necessary trace elements.

Treatment of night cramps in the legs with folk remedies

In addition to medications, folk remedies are widely used.

Apple vinegar

This product is prepared in combination with honey and water and drunk by a person to prevent a night attack. For 1 st. liquid requires 2 tbsp. l. vinegar.

Lemon juice

A folk method using lemon is useful in the presence of leg diseases. The sole of the foot is lubricated with squeezed juice, and after self-drying, a sock is put on. This procedure should be carried out twice a day for 2 weeks.

Bay leaf infused in vegetable oil

For the treatment of leg cramps in folk medicine, bay leaf tincture in oil is practiced. The reason for use may also be fatigue of the lower extremities. Greens are taken in proportions of 1 to 5 parts of the oil component.

You can use various vegetable oils: sunflower, olive, linseed and others. It is recommended to insist the remedy in a dark place for at least 2 weeks. Smear on diseased areas should be until improvement.

Alcohol tincture of lilac

Lilac flowers, infused with vodka, have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

But it is worth remembering that during the breakdown of syringin glycoside (a substance contained in lilacs), hydrocyanic acid is formed, and it is toxic.

Balanced diet for leg cramps

The daily menu should include products such as cottage cheese and cheese. Beans are also a good source of calcium. Nutrition experts recommend drinking a glass of milk at night.

Muscles need silicon to relax. They are rich in garlic, so this vegetable should be eaten at dinner.

To replenish magnesium in the diet, it is necessary to include parsley, dill, green onions, seaweed, dried apricots, dates, figs.

The causes of leg cramps are very diverse. Sometimes it is difficult to identify them without special examinations, therefore it is necessary to seek help from a qualified specialist.

Videos of leg cramps

Cramps in the legs. Causes and Treatments:

Cramps in the legs. Reasons and simple ways treatment:

People of different ages often wonder why they cramp their calves even in the absence of prolonged physical exertion. Fatigue, swelling, spasms are just an incomplete list of external manifestations that can significantly reduce physical activity. Doctors urge not to treat such a situation lightly. Quite often, the above symptoms indicate the onset of a serious illness that requires immediate medical attention.

The first thing to remember when it starts to reduce caviar is that you do not immediately grab onto medications. It is enough to take a short break, during which you can massage the lower limb. In most cases, this is enough to get rid of discomfort. More attention should be paid to this issue if the leg is not brought together for the first time. In such a situation, it will not be superfluous to visit a medical institution.

For preventive purposes, you should consult a phlebologist. As a result of a short examination, the physician will conduct the necessary diagnostic procedures. Based on the collected data, it is concluded why the lower limb is bothered by unpleasant symptoms. Patients should remember that early diagnosis is the key to quick and effective treatment.

In addition to varicose veins, flat feet in any form can be the culprit of discomfort. Doctors note that this disease may not declare itself for a long time. As a result, the person has no good reason to seek medical attention. In fact, you can be suspicious. Firstly, even with the initial degree of flat feet, the legs quickly get tired.

It is enough to pay attention to the usual rhythm of life. If earlier a person calmly walked all day without significant problems, then as flat feet develop, even 2-3 km per day turn into an impossible task. In this case, it is necessary to visit a therapist who will give a referral to a narrower specialist. Orthopedic shoes will help to get rid of discomfort, thanks to which the foot experiences less stress.

Doctors tend to blame not only objective factors that worsen the condition of the lower extremities, but also the behavior of the person himself. A frivolous attitude to one's own health can make even an invalid healthy person, which will be followed by a spasm. In addition to these factors, muscle spasms in the lower extremities can be provoked by the following reasons:

  1. Lack of nutrients and vitamins - in order to cope with the daily load, the muscles need regular replenishment. We are talking about useful substances obtained from food. If in the morning a citizen notices that his legs are “aching”, then you should consult a doctor. You probably need to rethink your diet.
  2. Bad habits - in many ways, this item is related to the above. Prolonged use of alcohol and tobacco products leads to "washing out" of useful substances from the cells. As a result of weakness of the muscular frame, the lower limbs can be reduced.
  3. Wrong posture - often people themselves provoke pathological changes in the muscle structure of the legs. We are talking about a long stay in an uncomfortable position. An example of this are professions where you need to be in one position for a long time. In order to make such work not so tiring for the legs, it is necessary to take breaks from time to time. The therapist will tell you what simple exercises will help relieve the accumulated tension.
  4. Addiction to coffee and tea - the more these fluids in the body, the more difficult it is to sleep peacefully. We are talking not only about the stimulating effect of caffeine, but also about its negative impact on the muscle structure. If a clinical manifestations are celebrated at night, then this is the first sign that it is necessary to “tie” with these drinks. Similarly, you need to do those who actively consume sugar.

To answer the question of why it reduces the calves of the legs, it is often necessary to conduct an examination of the whole organism. These are cases where the initial examination does not reveal the culprit. On the one hand, clinical manifestations can be cyclical. We are talking about a long remission, followed by an exacerbation phase. On the other hand, the calf muscle can suddenly get sick at night in a person.

Opens a list of diseases dangerous in all respects epilepsy in initial form. It manifests itself as spontaneous spasms of the lower extremities. However, they can take place without significant physical exertion. This list includes:

  • oncological neoplasms;
  • spasmophilia;
  • eclampsia;
  • hidden injuries that have weakened bone or muscle tissue;
  • latent inflammatory process often provokes a spasm in the morning;
  • infection;
  • neurological pathology.

As you can see from the above list, muscles can not work properly for a variety of reasons. To understand them will help a comprehensive examination conducted in medical institution. The more timely it is done, the faster it will stop hurting during movement.

Until the visit to the medical institution, cramps that have arisen in the legs can be reduced at home. To do this, you need to perform a number of simple exercises. Pinch yourself - the simplest advice which allows you to quickly reduce unpleasant manifestations. It is important to remember that the spasm that reduces the leg will disappear only with a slight impact. No need to pinch soft tissues until the blood comes out.

In most cases, it is enough to do this 2-3 times. If after this it was not possible to reduce the intensity of unpleasant manifestations, then you should immediately go to a medical institution. It is highly likely that the leg cramps as a result of the activation of a serious illness. Any delay will only reduce the chance of a positive development of events. In second place in terms of frequency of occurrence is the recommendation to rub the limb with a special ointment.

This can be done only after consulting a doctor. If the patient has chronic diseases, then independent use medications categorically prohibited. This applies not only to varicose veins, but also to many neurological pathologies. Despite the assurance of manufacturers about the harmlessness of their ointments, if it reduces the lower limb, then you should not experiment on your own health.

A similar recommendation applies to mustard oil common in folk medicine. It will be harmless only for a healthy person whose muscles are overstrained. At the same time, one should not forget that only on the basis of the results of the survey, one can draw a conclusion about the degree of human health. If this recommendation is neglected, then the course of varicose processes can be complicated.

Increased attention should be paid to shoes. In order for the muscles to cope with their work, it should not be tight. Even a slight obstruction of blood flow in the lower extremities leads to congestion. Those, in turn, do not have the best effect on motor activity. It becomes difficult for a person to walk. Even after a slight physical exertion, there is a feeling of heaviness, complemented by "aching" pain.

If we talk about the fair sex, they should give up high heels. The desire to comply with fashion trends should not cross the boundaries of common sense. The longer a lady walks in such heels, the more leg muscles are overstressed. The rate of occurrence of pathological changes largely depends on anatomical features every lady.

It is never too late to take care of your health, so every morning you need to make it a rule to do simple exercises. On the one hand, they will help those who are in pain after waking up in the lower extremities. On the other hand, they will strengthen the muscular structure of those who do not yet experience such manifestations. To perform a set of exercises, you must do the following:

  • lie on your back;
  • stretch both legs;
  • alternately slowly pull each sock towards you, and the second one away from you;
  • get on the floor;
  • stand on one leg so that the entire body mass is concentrated on the limb that is worried about the spasm;
  • the duration of such actions is more than 2-3 minutes;
  • if sleep is often interrupted by spasm, then the above exercise should be abandoned;
  • apply a piece of ice to the surface of the leg, which you need to massage the sore spot;
  • the duration of cold therapy is no more than 3 minutes, otherwise there is a high probability of damage to the upper skin;
  • in order not to remember the spasm in a dream, it is recommended to put a small roller under your feet;
  • as a preventive measure, it is recommended to rinse the lower limbs with cool water before going to bed;
  • if the patient has average degree varicose veins, then cold baths should be abandoned.

If we talk about preventive and therapeutic methods, then a person reduced by a spasm or cramp should not grab the first medicine that he finds in the medicine cabinet. Without a proper examination, it is impossible to determine the culprit of the deterioration in health. The wrong choice of painkiller will only lead to a deterioration in well-being, if we are talking about varicose veins.

No less caution should be shown to those who seek to get rid of spasms when sipping. They arise as a result of serious neurological pathologies. It is strictly forbidden to use painkillers that are not prescribed by a doctor. To make a correct diagnosis, the physician needs to know what exactly the patient is experiencing. No less important for the doctor is the answer to the question about the location of the pain.

If, due to self-administration of medications, the patient cannot describe his state of health, then this will only aggravate the situation. The disease will get enough time to develop. The doctor will not dare to start a therapeutic course without having good reasons for choosing a way to restore lost health. That is why patients should know: if it reduces the calves of the legs, what to do in this situation, only a qualified physician can decide.

The duration of the diagnostic stage is about 3-5 days. It all depends on the severity of the patient's condition. The initial appointment and referral to narrow specialists is carried out by the local therapist. If the doctor suspects a threat to the life or health of the patient, then the patient is hospitalized. In this case, you can observe the development of the disease. If suddenly there is a sharp deterioration in the course of the disease, the staff of the medical institution will have time to intervene.

The therapeutic course is carried out in a conservative way. Very rarely, the doctor raises the question of the need for surgical intervention. The pros and cons of such a decision are communicated to the patient.

Text: Irina Sergeeva

What's so good about cramping your calves? How to deal with it? The reasons why it reduces the calves of the legs can be varied, however, the main ones are diseases of the nervous system and eating disorders. Undoubtedly, for both reasons, consultations of doctors are necessary, but we can do something ourselves.

Reduces calves: causes

Reduces the calves of the legs most often because there is a lack of trace elements calcium and magnesium in the body. This deficiency may arise due to the fact that we forget to saturate the diet with foods containing these trace elements. Another reason for the lack of calcium and magnesium (as well as potassium) can be excessive sweating. With sweat, our body loses not only a large amount of water, but also a huge amount of these minerals. If you do not make up for their deficiency, the body will experience fatigue, convulsions.

To reduce the calves of the legs, especially in the morning, may be due to the fact that blood flow slows down at night. As a result, the muscles are not sufficiently supplied with the necessary microelements, which is the result of the fact that it is in the morning hours that the calves are most often reduced.

Reduces the calves of the legs: what to do?

First, you should saturate the diet with foods containing calcium and magnesium. It is worth paying attention to carrots, beets, green pea, garlic, horseradish, cabbage, celery, nuts and seeds, legumes, turnips, almonds, one-day dairy products, figs, dried apricots, raisins, dates, prunes, blackberries, as well as apricots, oranges, apples, black currants, grapefruit and other fruits.

Also take note of therapeutic exercises:

  • stand on your heels, bend your raised fingers and maintain this balance for 10 seconds - do 7 times;

  • cross your legs, transfer the weight to the outer edges of the feet, freeze for a few minutes, change legs - 5 times.

Also, in order not to reduce the calves of the legs, you can process the calves twice a day in the morning and in the evening lemon juice then let them dry. Repeat this procedure daily for two weeks.

A cramp in the calf muscle of the leg is a fairly common phenomenon that almost every person faces sooner or later. Characteristic and very unpleasant sensations, as a rule, arise unexpectedly, and can cause serious trouble. Therefore, it is very useful for everyone to know more about calf cramps, and about simple methods of dealing with them.

There are quite a few reasons for a sharp spasmodic contraction of muscles that are not associated with diseases. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle - a taxi, an office chair, a chair at home, then the cause of cramps may be insufficient stimulation of the leg muscles by the nervous system. However, excessive physical activity, for example, sports or long walking, when lactic acid accumulates in the muscles, can also become a problem.

Lack of sleep, chronic fatigue, circulatory disorders due to uncomfortable posture can also be causes of muscle spasm. However, experts call the chronic lack of elements such as vitamin D, magnesium and calcium in the body the most common causes that cause cramps in the calf muscles.

You should be aware that convulsions can be symptoms of a wide range of diseases, such as: varicose veins, spinal diseases, cirrhosis of the liver, pregnancy complications, and many others. Therefore, with the regular appearance of convulsive symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

Prevention of calf cramps

As a preventive measure, a nutritious diet and regular exercise can be recommended. An ordinary person does not receive the necessary daily dose of magnesium and calcium from food. Therefore, for prevention, it is recommended to take dietary supplements or preparations containing magnesium and calcium. As a rule, they are included in preparations along with vitamin D, which contributes to their normal absorption. Of course, it is always good to eat fresh vegetables and fruits. And also: milk, cottage cheese, cheese, dried apricots, in which there is a lot of calcium; walnuts, legumes and buckwheat porridge, which are a source of magnesium in food.

It is usually easy to relieve cramps in the calf muscles. The easiest way is exercise. You need to stand facing the wall at a step distance, rest your palms on it and slowly step back from the wall in small steps. Feet should not come off the floor so that the calf muscles are stretched. You should stand for a minute, allowing the muscles to "stretch". However, it should not be brought to painful sensations.

Massage is also a fairly simple method, however, it is not recommended for pregnant women. With your thumb, you should press on the middle of the calf muscle, slowly increasing the pressure. Then you need to press for a couple of seconds on a point in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe popliteal fossa. As an emergency way to relieve convulsions, the following method is known: with a pin or needle, you need to prick in the area where the spasm has occurred. The resulting pain irritation should relieve the muscle cramp.

Firstly, do not panic, and secondly, let's easily and naturally understand the causes of this trouble - and the symptom, we sincerely hope, will leave you once and for all.

There are several versions explaining sudden cramps in the calf or thigh. Neurologists who have studied the calf muscles of athletes have come up with a new, but quite reasonable explanation: the cramped legs are a defense mechanism. What does it mean?

Let's take an example. You are going for a run for the first time in your life. And, being an optimistic lady, they decided to run no less than 5 km at a time. The fragment of the cerebral cortex responsible for motor activity doubts: the load will be excessive. But you still run.

The cerebral cortex is patient with the experiment for a while. But at the next moment, the body comes to the conclusion: that's it, kranty. Too much with a load. Do you want to further strain exhausted muscles? Okay, let's go all out! The calf or thigh muscle contracts to the maximum. And refuses to relax. And this is the cramp.

Life without trace elements

The second theory (which in many ways supplements the first one) says that nerve impulses following from the brain to the calf muscles can “stumble” and give false commands because the blood lacks potassium, magnesium, sodium and other trace elements.

Where do trace elements go? Nutritionists know that food is modern world lost most of the nutrients. "Chemical" apples from Ecuador and cucumbers from Israel contain mostly water. Therefore, experts actively insist on vitamin and mineral supplements. In addition, the salts actively leave with the liquid - for example, when you sweat on the beach or undertake the jogging feat described above. Dehydration increases the risk of seizures. Due to the lack of microelements of the planet, because they nourish the fruit with all the best - and there is nothing left for yourself.

Total stagnation

Another version says: in the muscles. We know that blood goes to the legs through the arteries and returns up through the veins. In order for the veins to lift blood up, the muscles must contract, either narrowing or expanding the lumen of the vein. If the muscles do not contract - because of laziness, a sedentary lifestyle, age restrictions- or if there is varicose veins, then stagnation occurs in the lower extremities. The result is a spasm.

When is it time to see a doctor?

If you suffer from cramps once every 2-3 months, you can check for varicose veins, but you should not panic. This can manifest itself as banal fatigue. Give up heels, stretch your legs more often and be less static. Should help.

In the case when it is better to go to a therapist (and maybe even a surgeon), donate blood for biochemistry and carefully follow the recommendations.

Also, as you know, legs can be cramped in cold water - and this is not an indicator of the disease, this is a relative norm. Also, keep in mind that cold is a relative concept. It’s normal for someone in the hole, but for someone it’s cool at + 25 ° C.

Alexander Nadezhdin, elite coach of the World Class fitness club network:

I have been a trainer for many years and I can say with confidence: sooner or later, almost every visitor to the gym reduces the calf muscles. If this is irregular, there is no need to panic. You need to do stretching exercises. The better you stretched and warmed up before training, the less chance of trouble. Do lunges with an inclination, just tilts - the stomach to the hips, the legs are bent. Remember that on exhalation, the elasticity of the muscles increases: bent - exhaled, stretch.

If, nevertheless, it is seized, it is necessary to increase blood circulation in the lower part of the body as soon as possible. An intense massage, and stretching exercises (if possible), and throwing your legs against the wall (lying down, of course) will do.

If you play sports more and more intensively, mineral supplements are indispensable. It's like with cars: a sports car requires a different maintenance than a normal one. With an increase in the loads of microelements such as potassium and magnesium, it will not be enough - I guarantee. This means that convulsions will happen more often. So consult with the trainer, which one, based on the intensity of the loads, you choose.

Mikhail Kolodinsky, rescue diver:

They say that if you cramp your leg in the water, you can drown. Don't believe! From the point of view of physiology, even if you have cramped both legs (although for this you need to break the spine) and one more arm has fallen off, you can swim to the shore on the remaining arm. Drowning with a flattened leg is possible only if you succumb to panic.

Many get frightened, begin to fight, from horror inhale water and foolishly go to the bottom. If you cramped your leg in the sea or lake, the easiest way out is this: roll over on your back, breathe deeply and row to the shore with your hands. Legs dangle, relax or cramp terribly - we continue to breathe and, without slowing down, we swim.

If you confidently float on the water, you can take the form of a “bomb” (we hang in the water with bent legs) and gently knead the leg until it passes. But in this case, a person will from time to time dive under water, dive. And this method is suitable only for those who are friends with water, calm like a tank and able to hold their breath.

Help, I'm freaking out!

Removing calf cramps is a purely individual matter. Massage helps someone, someone needs to walk around, and someone happily sticks a pin into the muscle and gets the desired relaxation. We have collected the opinions of "experienced" - those who, in the battle with varicose veins and micronutrient imbalances, have reached the top in quickly getting rid of cramps.

It is necessary to throw your legs up on the wall - to disperse the stagnation formed in the limbs, and the trick is in the bag. But then you shouldn’t strain yourself - it’s better to lie further and watch the telly upside down.

Maya Dinkova, proofreader, 62

I have a magic pin. You stick it deeper into the muscle, and the cramp goes away. Even at night I can do this trick without waking up.

Ekaterina Verniauskene, designer, 39 years old

In case of a cramp, I get up on the cool floor, pull the sock towards me and walk on my heels. And the next day after the attack, I put on flat-soled shoes - in high heels, a relapse cannot be avoided.

Text: Olga Kim

Each of us at least once faced such a problem as leg cramps. This phenomenon is unpleasant, but, alas, quite frequent. The causes of cramps can be both fatigue and lack of nutrients. What to do when you bring your legs together at night?

What causes legs to cramp at night?

If you observe regular leg cramps at night (it reduces calves, feet, toes) and this is accompanied by such unpleasant symptoms as constant heaviness, fatigue, then this phenomenon may be a symptom of incipient varicose veins. In this case, it is necessary to consult an experienced phlebologist before proceeding with treatment.

Also, leg cramps can be a sign of a lack of nutrients such as calcium and potassium, and can also be provoked by flat feet. In order to get rid of cramps with flat feet, special shoes and insoles are needed, as well as regular massage of the entire surface of the legs and, in particular, the foot.

With a lack of vitamins and trace elements in the body, it is necessary to reconsider your diet and include foods such as cottage cheese, hard cheeses, bananas, legumes, apples, dried apricots and others. Vitamin courses in addition to proper diet.

If your legs are cramping at night due to an incorrect posture, and the muscles are numb, then you must immediately take a comfortable position and perform a kneading massage of the spasm site.

If your legs cramp at night quite often, this may be due to an excess of caffeine and nicotine in the body. Therefore, it is worth thinking about reducing the consumption of coffee and cigarettes. An excess of sugar in the body can also negatively affect.

The most serious causes of leg cramps are diseases such as epilepsy, brain tumors, eclampsia, spasmophilia, as well as hidden injuries, inflammatory and infectious diseases, as well as hidden neurological diseases. In any case, if you often cramp your legs at night, you should seek advice from such doctors as an endocrinologist, phlebologist and neurologist.

How can you help if you cramp your legs at night?

  • Pinch a sore spot or prick yourself with a needle in that place, but not to the point of blood;

  • rub the leg with a warming ointment;

  • massage the place where the cramp occurred;

  • you can rub your foot with mustard oil;

  • rub the soles of your feet with lemon juice for 2 weeks, let it dry and only then put on shoes;

  • High heels can also cause leg cramps, so try to wear them infrequently or switch to a lower heel.

You can also do a number of exercises right in bed:

  • stretch your leg and pull the sock towards you - not from yourself, like a ballerina - but towards yourself, you can help yourself with your hands;

  • stand on the floor and transfer all the weight to the leg that has cramped (if you can’t get up, then it’s better to refuse such an exercise);

  • you can also apply something cold to the sore leg, for example, metal or ice;

  • put a roller under your feet before going to bed, this is also the prevention of varicose veins;

  • Rinse your feet with cool water before going to bed.

If your legs cramp at night quite often, then it is best to consult a doctor, since the cause of this development of events can be really serious diseases, and even if it is a fairly common varicose veins, then you need to start fighting it as early as possible, at the first stage of the disease. Sleep well!

Seizures are a common problem faced by almost every person, regardless of gender and age. Usually occur at night or during vigorous physical activity, causing severe discomfort and in some cases leaving behind a slight soreness for several hours.

Most often, cramps affect the calf muscle. If cramping the calves of the legs, there are methods that will help to quickly alleviate the pain and prevent the recurrence of cramps.

Why cramps the calves of the legs? Consider the various reasons

There are many negative factors that affect the occurrence of calf cramps, and the most common are the following:

  • Increased exercise stress without pre-workout. A sharp load on an unprepared muscular system leads to acute pain. Prolonged stay in a sitting or standing position without the opportunity to warm up leads to stagnation of blood, and the muscles receive an insufficient amount of valuable elements.
  • Influence of severe stressful situations. When stressed, cortisol is thrown into the blood - a hormone that helps to cope with stressful situations. But its frequent exposure disrupts the absorption of calcium, which leads to convulsions. Excess consumption of caffeinated products (energy drinks, coffee, desserts with it, drugs) also increases the production of cortisol.
  • Inadequate diet. Starvation, uneven nutrition - stress for the body, which leads to the release of cortisol. Also, the deficiency of a number of useful elements negatively affects the state of blood vessels and muscles. Especially harmful, in addition to lack of calcium, lack of potassium, magnesium, vitamins from group B, calciferols (vitamins from group D), sugar, iron.
  • Prolonged wearing of uncomfortable shoes. The foot in improperly selected shoes is squeezed and is in constant tension, and blood circulation is disturbed. There is also a connection with cramps and heel height: wearing high-heeled shoes overexerts the calf muscle.
  • Failures in metabolic processes. They develop due to endocrine disruptions, improper diet, excess nicotine and alcohol, congenital abnormalities (enzyme disorders).
  • The impact of cold. When bathing in cold water, the blood vessels constrict, and a spasm may occur. And physical activity in a cold room often leads to cramps, since the muscles are more difficult to warm up with training, they are more vulnerable.
  • Flat feet. With this pathology, the load is distributed unevenly, and the calf muscle is overstressed.
  • Excess protein in the diet. Protein prevents calcium absorption. Athletes who actively consume protein for muscle gain should take additional calcium tablets.
  • Refusal of alcoholic beverages in the process of treatment for alcoholism. Refusal of alcohol after a long and regular use in large quantities leads to vasoconstriction, which takes time to restore functions. With alcoholism, muscle spasms are also possible due to circulatory failures, impaired absorption of nutrients.
  • Atherosclerotic lesion of blood vessels in the calves. Fatty plaques accumulate in the vessels, blocking their lumen and disrupting blood flow.
  • Varicose disease. With this pathology, blood circulation is disturbed, which leads to convulsions and other symptoms.
  • Slowdown of metabolic processes in old age.
  • Serious pathologies. Frequent seizures may indicate the development dangerous diseases including Parkinson's disease, neoplasms in the brain, epilepsy, various neurological disorders, diabetes, latent infections.

Pregnancy is a period during which changes occur in the body that affect blood circulation, the absorption of useful elements, and the functioning of many organs and systems.

Calf cramps in pregnant women most often occur due to:

  • iron deficiency anemia. The growing fetus is in dire need of iron, and its deficiency leads to a number of disorders in the body of both the pregnant woman and the unborn child.
  • Excess intake of diuretic drugs. Edema during pregnancy is a common pathology in which diuretics are prescribed: drugs that remove excess fluid from the body along with some of the nutrients.
  • Compression of the inferior vena cava. A heavy uterus presses on a vein when a pregnant woman lies on her back. Blood circulation in the legs is disturbed, and a spasm occurs.
  • Lack of nutrients. During pregnancy, the need for vitamins and minerals increases, and the standard diet is no longer suitable. The need for vitamins included in group B is especially high during gestation.

Both a sedentary lifestyle and excessive regular physical activity predispose to cramps. In these cases, the calves cramp usually at night.

More about treatment of cerebral palsy you will find out in this.

Symptoms

A cramp that affects the calf muscle is manifested by very sharp pain that is difficult to endure. It lasts on average from a few seconds to one or two minutes.

There are also other symptoms:

  • the muscle is very tense and hardens;
  • get up on full foot difficult because of pain;
  • for a few more hours, moderate pain in the muscle may be observed.

When the peak of pain passes, palpable discomfort will persist for several minutes. Seizures can also rarely be accompanied by severe symptoms, especially if the pain threshold is low.

Observed:

  • dizziness;
  • darkening in the eyes;
  • tachycardia;
  • breathing difficulties;
  • loss of consciousness.

The most common seizure occurs during:

  • sleep or rest lying down;
  • leg stretching in the morning;
  • physical activity;
  • kneading stiff legs;
  • swimming in water bodies.

If convulsions are observed frequently and are accompanied by severe symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment

If the calves of the legs cramp, then what should the patient do? As a rule, treatment begins with the identification of the causes that caused the violation.

Diagnosis of the disorder, depending on the symptoms and results of the initial examination, may include:

  • MRI of the spine;
  • a series of blood tests;
  • tests that determine the content of hormones;
  • electrocardiogram;
  • electroencephalogram;
  • cardiac tests;
  • MRI and CT of the brain;
  • Analysis of urine;
  • analyzes to determine the content of vitamins and trace elements.

Always before the start of therapy, diagnostic measures are taken, an anamnesis is collected.

Treatment for seizures that are not caused by a serious illness includes:

  • Power correction. It is useful to eat fractionally: five to seven times a day in small portions. It is also useful to include in the diet foods that contain a large number of useful elements: fruits, vegetables, cereals, nuts, fish.
  • Lifestyle change. Reduce stress levels, smoke less or stop altogether, move more (walking, exercising, exercising), moderate coffee and energy drinks.
  • Foot massage. Feet and calves are massaged at bedtime with oils and warming ointments.
  • Foot baths. Sea salt is good for feet: three tablespoons of salt per five liters of water at a comfortable temperature.
  • Reception of vitamins and microelements. Selected by a specialist. The intake of iron, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins of group A, E, D, B and others is shown (for example, vitamin C and rutin may be prescribed in case of vascular dysfunction).
  • Wear comfortable shoes with the correct heel height. The heel should be stable and not exceed 5 centimeters in height, and shoes should be selected according to size: if the shoes squeeze the foot, this disrupts blood circulation.
  • Use of compression tights and stockings. More often with varicose veins and venous insufficiency.
  • Flat foot correction: exercises, special shoes, insoles.
  • The use of muscle relaxants (Mydocalm). They do not eliminate the cause of the pathology, but reduce the frequency of seizures. They are not used in all cases and should only be prescribed by the attending physician.

In most cases, calf cramps do not hide any serious violations.

Exercises for cramps

To reduce the frequency of seizures and fast elimination the following exercises are useful for pain:

  • walking on heels;
  • rolling from heel to toe;
  • walking on toes;
  • flexion of the toes in a sitting position;
  • smooth stretching of the legs (yoga, sparing stretching complexes).

Leg stretching examples:

  • Sit on the floor, stretch your legs, take a towel and hook your foot with it, and then gently pull both edges towards you.
  • Stand next to the wall (at a distance of a meter), stretch your arms forward and rest them against the wall at the level chest, and then bend in the body so as to feel the stretching of the calf zone.

If a cramp occurs while swimming, you need to roll over on your back and swim to the shore.

You can quickly get rid of cramps if you pull on yourself thumb legs.

Prevention

The following preventive methods are useful:
  • adjust the diet and introduce foods high in magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron (nuts, dairy products, bananas);
  • to refuse from bad habits;
  • sleep on a comfortable bed;
  • enough to move;
  • if the work requires a long stay in one position, periodically do warm-ups;
  • use comfortable shoes.

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