Cramps are defined as involuntary, forced, and prolonged contraction of a part of a muscle, a whole muscle, or group of muscles. Compared to spasm, cramps are more forceful and sustained. The usual mechanism of muscles is to alternately contract and relax to facilitate movement. Those muscles that are involved in gross or fine motor movements are mostly voluntary muscles, which means that they move at will. There are instances, however, when these voluntary muscles move involuntarily and instead of contracting and relaxing at short durations. The contraction is prolonged without intervening relaxation states. This is what causes leg cramps and there is more on the medical causes of leg cramps below. When muscles forcibly contract at a prolonged period, it can be painful and exhausting to any person experiencing it. Moreover, muscle cramps can recur frequently and, therefore, is more difficult to handle or deal with.

There are some medical causes of leg cramps and lower leg cramps. Among those are over-exertion when doing tasks or activities, muscle injury, muscle spasm, electrolyte imbalance, loss of salt, excessive perspiration, and even, exercise. Some viral and bacterial infections may also induce the occurrence of muscle spasm and what causes leg cramps. Other health problems that are also known triggers of this muscle problem include diabetes, circulation anomalies, dermatomyositis, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Additionally, people are becoming more conscious about their health, recognizing the importance of exercise and physical activities in their lives. Many have been integrating exercises like jogging, skipping ropes, brisk walking, and other similar exercises in their daily routines. However, there are instances that people who exercise, especially those who run or jog, can be vulnerable to muscle cramps. Those who exercise heavily should understand the causes for joint and muscle pain. Muscle cramps are the involuntary and forcible contraction of the muscles. These cramps can be related to a part of a muscle, the entire muscle, or a group of muscles. It may occur many times before it is relieved. Sometimes there can be simultaneous cramps that move body parts in opposite directions. Statistics show that about 95% of individuals experience muscle cramps at some point of their lives.

Muscle cramps are more troubling to people who are preoccupied with their work but are hindered by painful and constant contraction of their muscles. Among those professionals who are prone to experiencing difficulties caused by muscle problems are athletes, construction workers, and office workers who are frequently in a constant seated position for a long time. When muscle problems such as cramps get in the way of their work, it can greatly hinder them and make them unproductive, especially if they don’t know or understand the causes of lower leg cramps.

To further understand causes for joint and muscle pain look at associated conditions usually occurring with muscle cramps. They are tic, muscle itch, paralysis, paresthesia, and tingling. Some health problems or symptoms that are more commonly known to be associated with muscle cramps but do co-occur with it include regurgitation, dry mouth, disorientation, rapid and loud heart beat or sounds, and pericardial effusion.  When the body does not have enough fluids in the system, it can lead to an electrolyte imbalance that can cause muscle cramps.

People often get cramps in their calves, thighs, hamstrings, quadriceps, feet, and just about every muscle. Cramps may also occur after inactivity, such as sitting too long in one place without moving any muscle. A person can get a cramp even when lying in bed.  A cramp can last a few seconds to 15 minutes or longer. It might recur multiple times before it actually goes away. Muscle cramps can happen anytime of the day, even during when a person is fast asleep. This condition is referred to as night leg cramps or nighttime leg cramps. Night leg cramps are a sudden painful cramp in the leg. It can be very painful. This happens because the leg muscles contracts, which usually happens in the back of the lower leg or calf. Nighttime leg cramps can occur while a person is asleep or sometimes when a person is about to wake up.

The usual medications prescribed by doctors among patients who have trouble with muscle cramps include muscle-relaxant drugs such as cyclobezaprine, carisoprodol (Soma), and skelaxin for treatment leg cramps. However, muscle pain cured naturally involves home remedies such as apple cider vinegar and approaches such as massage, relaxation exercises, and remediation to pressure points. Consumption of food rich in nutrients such as calcium, protein, magnesium, and vitamin C can also help prevent the threats of experiencing muscle cramps. Some still believe quinine for leg cramps is a valid remedy.

Doctors also believe that abnormal processing of electrolytes lead to such cramp attacks. Electrolytes such as salt and minerals are essential elements that our body needs for the maintenance of the basic functions of muscles. Other factors that contribute to cramping include inadequate stretching and muscle fatigue. Calcium deficiency also cause leg cramps at night, especially among women. If a woman is post-menopausal, trying to lose weight, or does not consume enough calcium, she is susceptible to developing night leg cramps. This should be reversed for treatment leg cramps.

To alleviate leg cramps, one must have an adequate level of calcium consumption. Muscle pain cured naturally involves taking care of calcium intake. This can also prevent other problems associated with calcium deficiency like osteoporosis. Calcium supplements may also help relieve a person from leg cramps, if taken on a regular basis.

Decrease potassium levels, neuromuscular disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and alcohol use are also some of the causes of leg cramps. Certain medications, such as albuterol, niacin, diuretics, and some calcium channel blockers and antipsychotic medications can also cause night leg cramps. Consult your doctor before using quinine for leg cramps. Partially obstructed flow of blood to the legs and abnormal mineral or hormone levels can also be the causes for painful muscle cramps at night.

If a person suffers form night leg cramps, there are some practical pain relief methods to make this annoying condition go away. Try massaging the area with ice for no more than ten minutes or until the area is bright red, which indicates that blood cells have returned to heat the cramped muscle. If ice is too uncomfortable, try heat. Heat improves blood circulation and makes muscles more flexible. Some people find that heat is more soothing for muscle cramps than ice. Try a heating pad for 20 minutes at a time or even a warm shower or bath. Make sure to massage the muscle following the application of ice or heat on the affected area.
Doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants, Benadryl, or vitamin E for the treatment of leg cramps. These drugs are safe but it is best to first consult a physician before taking them. If a person is frequently suffering from leg cramps at night, it is still best to consult a doctor to get rid of this nocturnal problem that’s creeping and twitching our legs and disturbs people from their good night sleep.

Muscle cramps may disappear on their own, but there are some things that can be done to lessen their severity and longevity. Below are some of the things that can be done to treat muscle cramps.

Gently stretch the affected muscle
Stop the activity that triggered the muscle cramp
Massage the affected area to aid blood flow
Keep the affected muscle moving with light activity (standing and walking around)
     
Making adjustments in one’s training routine may help prevent the occurrence of muscle cramp.  Improving one’s cardiovascular fitness may also boost the flow of blood to the muscles. A strong heart may guarantee that there are sufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients in the muscles for them to function properly. Stretching can also help the muscles become looser and more flexible that may stop the muscles from tightening and cramping. Stretching coupled with a good warm-up session may lead to increased range of movements and help prevent injuries and muscle cramps by prompting muscle recovery. 

In terms of breathing and healthy diets, people who workout should make sure that plenty of water is taken before and while working out to replace lost electrolytes. People should breath deeply while working out to allow proper oxygen intake. Studies show that when oxygen intake is more efficient the following may take place: slower heart rate, decreased blood pressure, eased anxiety, and relaxed muscles. Workouts should not be overdone to prevent the occurrence of muscle cramps. Any cramping usually subside after a few minutes of rest but if individuals are having trouble with their cramps they should seek the advise of doctors of other health specialists.

Rather than seek for the treatments or remedies for muscle cramps engaging in proper pre-workout and workout routines may eliminate or lessen the occurrence of these health ailments. The use of over-the-counter medication to treat muscle cramps is not prohibited. But individuals who wish to try them should consult doctors before taking them and not self-medicate. Proper workouts and healthy diets prioritized rather than taking muscle relaxants and other medications to treat muscle cramps.