Causes of Cramping
1) Dehydration
2) Not consuming enough calories (i.e., carbs, electrolytes, etc.) during activity; High-intensity activity; and not taking in extra salt before and after exercise to replace losses in sweat and water.
3) Excessive sodium loss through the kidneys: Due to certain medications such as diuretics or excessive caffeine intake that may promote urination. In addition, some over-the-counter antihistamines that contain pseudoephedrine can also cause excess sodium loss via urine, so it’s possible drinking a few cups of strong coffee before exercising to help get rid of any phlegm might lead to much sweating, which could be associated with cramping/dehydration if you’re not careful.
4) Not enough potassium in the diet or during activity.
5) Precordial Catch Syndrome can be caused by a viral infection, asthma, or allergies and is typically relieved with rest.
6) Hypokalemia (low blood potassium level) occurs when too much of it is lost through sweat or urine to cause cramping/dehydration, which requires immediate attention.
7) Neuromuscular irritability: Cramps that originate from within the nervous system itself, customarily called “cramp contractions,” are not familiar, although they’re often seen among patients suffering from diseases like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Friedreich’s ataxia, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, etc…
8) Acid-base balance: Metabolic acidosis or alkalosis can alter the neuromuscular function and the degree of muscle relaxation typically seen in a normal resting state. This means cramps can occur due to metabolic changes (e.g., lactic acid buildup, etc.).
9) Calcium imbalance: Hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia can both lead to muscular cramping/tightness, although not as common as others like #1.
10) Other things such as Vitamin D deficiency, blood flow problems (i.e., arterial sclerosis), hypothyroidism, low estrogen levels during pre-menopause periods, among other things, could also cause abnormal nerve impulses, so don’t think cramping can’t occur if you don’t match the symptoms with one of the causes above.
What causes severe leg cramps at night:-severe leg cramps at night, or nocturnal leg cramps, affect up to 15% of the population and are mainly seen in older people. They can be extremely painful and wake you from your deep sleep, causing panic and fear.
What causes severe leg cramps at night?
There is no single known cause for these cramps that develop during the night, but there are several suggestions as to what might trigger them:
1) Metabolic problems such as low levels of potassium, phosphate, or magnesium in the bloodstream
2) Vitamin deficiencies such as lack of calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D
3) Dehydration
4) Abnormalities with nerves supplying the muscle
5) Previous trauma or injury
6) Abnormalities in the blood vessels
7) Inherited disorders such as myotonia congenita, or certain forms of muscular dystrophy
Severe leg cramps at night and Detraining:
Another possible cause is detraining after regular use of a muscle group. For instance, if you stop playing tennis or running for some time (or even using a specific muscle group), this might be sufficient to trigger severe leg cramps at night.
What causes severe leg cramps at night?-Treatment:
If these nocturnal cramps are due to low potassium levels, then taking supplements should alleviate the problem. However, this is very unlikely to solve the problem if it is due to detraining after regular exercise because this is not a nutrient deficiency.
Severe leg cramps at night and Detraining:
In this case, you need to start using the muscle again with a gradual exercise program over a few weeks. This is the only way to reduce severe leg cramps at night caused by detraining.
If these nocturnal cramps are due to low potassium levels, then taking supplements should alleviate the problem. However, this is very unlikely to solve the problem if it is due to detraining after regular exercise because this is not a nutrient deficiency.
In any case, those suffering from nocturnal leg cramps should consult their doctor as soon as possible, as there may be an underlying cause that needs attention, such as kidney or heart disease or diabetes mellitus.
How to stop leg cramps immediately:
1) Massage the muscle
2) Apply heat to the area
3) Stretch the muscle gently (but not to the point of pain)
4) Drink caffeinated beverages or other stimulants such as chewing gum. No studies have shown that caffeine effectively stops leg cramps, but it does act as a mild stimulant and can create a sense of relief by distracting you.
5) Take over-the-counter medications – There are several options available, including quinine (which has significant side effects, especially if taken long term), certain antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, baclofen (a muscle relaxer), and even opioids for severe cases.
6) Magnesium supplements – In those with normal kidney function, magnesium supplementation can reduce the number and severity of leg cramps. For example, one study in older people with nocturnal leg muscle cramps showed that 500 milligrams of magnesium taken daily for three months reduced the duration and intensity of cramps.
7) Vitamin B complex – Thiamine has been effective in stopping leg cramps. Still, because this vitamin is water-soluble, it will leave your body within a few days, and you need to take regular supplements to keep the level high enough for this treatment to be effective.
8) Quinine – This anti-malaria medication was used in the past to treat leg cramps, but quinine levels are now tightly controlled, and it is available by prescription only. This drug should never be taken unless prescribed by a health care provider, and you should never exceed the dosage. Reportedly, several countries have stopped using quinine because of its side effects, including severe headaches and dizziness.
9) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – This medication is not practical for muscle cramps, but it can help to relieve some of the pain associated with such cramps.
10) Vitamin D3 supplements – In one study, people with frequent muscle cramps who took 1000 IU of vitamin D per day reported significant relief from their symptoms within three weeks. However, they also noted that taking more than this did not provide additional comfort. It’s best to check with your doctor before taking large doses of vitamin D, as mega-doses may cause kidney problems.
11) Capsaicin cream – This product is a topical analgesic containing capsaicin derived from hot chili peppers. Some studies have shown it to be effective for reducing leg cramps, but others have not. In addition, it can cause mild irritation and redness of the skin around the area where it is applied, so it should only be used as directed, and you should never apply this to broken skin.
12) Magnesium citrate supplements – This type of magnesium supplement has been found effective in at least one study. However, I am unaware of any studies that have used other styles such as magnesium lactate or oxide. Magnesium citrate is available over-the-counter, according to some reports on various websites.
Muscle cramps treatment:
1) Massage the muscle
2) Apply heat to the area
3) Stretch the muscle gently
4) Drink caffeinated beverages or other stimulants such as chewing gum. No studies have shown that caffeine effectively stops leg cramps, but it does act as a mild stimulant and can create a sense of relief by distracting you.
5) Take over-the-counter medications :
Several options are available, including quinine (which has significant side effects, especially if taken long term), certain antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, baclofen (a muscle relaxer), and even opioids for severe cases.
6) Magnesium supplements :
In those with normal kidney function, magnesium supplementation can reduce the number and severity of leg cramps. For example, one study in older people with nocturnal leg muscle cramps showed that 500 milligrams of magnesium taken daily for three months reduced the duration and intensity of cramps.
7) Vitamin B complex :
Thiamine has been effective in stopping leg cramps. Still, because this vitamin is water-soluble, it will leave your body within a few days, and you need to take regular supplements to keep the level high enough for this treatment to be effective.
8) Quinine :
This anti-malaria medication was used in the past to treat leg cramps, but quinine levels are now tightly controlled, and it is available by prescription only. Therefore, this drug should never be taken unless prescribed by a health care provider, and you should never exceed the dosage. Reportedly, several countries have stopped using quinine because of its side effects, including severe headaches and dizziness.
9) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) :
This medication is not practical for muscle cramps, but it can help to relieve some of the pain associated with such cramps.
10) Vitamin D3 supplements:
In one study, people with frequent muscle cramps who took 1000 IU of vitamin D per day reported significant relief from their symptoms within three weeks. However, they also noted that taking more than this did not provide additional comfort. It’s best to check with your doctor before taking large doses of vitamin D, as mega-doses may cause kidney problems.
11) Capsaicin cream :
This product is a topical analgesic that contains a compound called capsaicin, derived from hot chili peppers. Some studies have shown it to be effective for reducing leg cramps, but others have not. In addition, it can cause mild irritation and redness of the skin around the area where it is applied, so it should only be used as directed, and you should never apply this to broken skin.
12) Magnesium citrate supplements :
This type of magnesium supplement has been found effective in at least one study. However, I am unaware of any studies that have used other styles such as magnesium lactate or oxide. Magnesium citrate is available over-the-counter, according to some reports on various websites.
Muscle cramps treatment:
1) Massage the muscle
2) Apply heat to the area
3) Stretch the muscle gently (but not to the point of pain)
4) Drink caffeinated beverages or other stimulants such as chewing gum. No studies have shown that caffeine effectively stops leg cramps, but it does act as a mild stimulant and can create a sense of relief by distracting you.
5) Take over-the-counter medications:
Several options are available, including quinine (which has significant side effects, especially if taken long term), certain antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, baclofen (a muscle relaxer and even opioids for severe cases.
6) Magnesium supplements:
In those with normal kidney function, magnesium supplementation can reduce the number and severity of leg cramps. For example, one study in older people with nocturnal leg muscle cramps showed that 500 milligrams of magnesium taken daily for three months reduced the duration and intensity of cramps.
7) Vitamin B complex :
Thiamine has been effective in stopping leg cramps. Still, because this vitamin is water-soluble, it will leave your body within a few days, and you need to take regular supplements to keep the level high enough for this treatment to be effective.