Are Leg Cramps Cramping Your Style?

By Dr. Steven Warfield

Beyoncé with her back-up dancers on their toes; she considered the scene her toughest shoot, giving her blistered feet and muscle spasms. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Everyone experiences leg cramps from time to time.  Sometimes they occur during or immediately following exercise, while at other times they can cause you to come awake in the dead of night.  Either way, when leg

cramps occur there is little you can do but deal with them since they leave sufferers literally writhing in pain. While these painful muscle contractions can from a few seconds to several minutes in duration they are considered harmless reminders that the muscles of the leg or foot are in a state of imbalance. 

This imbalance can be caused by a number of factors and is not limited by age.  Sometimes cramps can occur due to prolonged exercise such as running, cycling or weight lifting.  However, the condition is just as likely to be caused by a lack of exercise, such as that caused by prolonged sitting behind a desk or on an airplane.   Other factors such as dehydration, sodium or potassium depletion or even medical conditions such as diabetes, metabolic disorders and parathyroid disease can be a trigger for cramps.

Leg or foot cramps that occur in the night can be caused by sleeping in an awkward position.  But it may also be an indication of an electrolyte imbalance, dehydration or a more serious medical condition, particularly if these nocturnal cramps occur frequently.  One common cause of cramping may be due to a narrowing of the arteries.  Cramping in the upper arm could be an indication of an impending heart attack. If you suddenly experience cramps after a short walk, particularly if the cramping is accompanied by severe pain, you need to see your doctor immediately since this could indicate a blood clot. 

In order to treat the underlying issues involved it is necessary to perform an examination and possibly blood studies in order to evaluate such things as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium levels as well as thyroid function.  The medical practitioner will also need to differentiate cramping from other diseases that commonly mimic the condition.  (Diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease can sometimes be mistaken for simple cramping.)  Possible side effects from prescription drugs that are being used by the patient also need to be taken into, particularly in regard to certain drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol levels or decrease the production of stomach acid.

Once the underlying cause of cramping has been isolated then treatment can begin.  Sometimes dietary supplements along with simple stretching exercises are all that it takes to all but eliminate the problem.  Foods high in potassium such as bananas can of help to some sufferers, along with foods high in vitamin B complex, such as whole grains, legumes and leafy green vegetables are of use to others.  For many the simple act of drinking more fluids before and during strenuous activities can all but eliminate these painful muscle spasms. For others the addition of quinine tablets can make all the difference. 

Circulation is vital to speed nutrients to the muscles as well as clearing out the waste products that the muscles produce during strain.  Treatments such as chiropractic adjustments, massage and ultrasound can improve circulation and greatly reduce the frequency and duration of cramping.  Daily stretching routines, such as the one below can also help prevent leg cramps.

Try this simple stretch before you hop into bed each night:

1.      Stand facing the wall, 30 inches away.

2.      While keeping your heels on the floor, lean forward, put your palms on the wall, and slowly move your hands up the wall as far as you can reach comfortably.

3.      Hold the stretched position for 30 seconds. Release.

4.      Repeat steps 1 through 3 two more times.

http://advancedhealth.ca/conditions/pain-conditions/leg-cramps.html

Treatment along with dietary supplements and daily stretching may be all it takes for you keep muscle spasms from cramping your style.

Dr.’s Steven Warfield and Dave Edenfield offer the most advanced treatments for back pain, sciatica, neck pain, whiplash and headaches. They also treat auto accident victims with state-of-the-art technologies.  For more information visit http://endyourpain.org or http://chiropractor-jacksonville-fl.com