Causes of Leg Cramps in Women

The following article provides information about the various causes and treatment options available for this condition.

A leg cramp or charley horse, is a condition characterized by contraction of the calf muscles, hamstrings, and the quadriceps of the leg, especially during night. These are involuntary contractions of the muscles which generally affect people above the age of 40, and is most common among the old people.

Science relates it to the nerves which are responsible for muscle control. Research says that, these cramps occur most commonly when people are in dreams, cause that's when our brain and body movements are not coordinated.

But, the exact reason behind these cramps is unknown and can be related to the many other discomfort conditions, which are enlisted below. It differs from a similar leg pain condition called, restless leg syndrome, which is characterized by severe leg pain.

There is no evidence of this condition being harmful, cause the pain lasts for just a few minutes after which it vanishes. These cramps mainly occur due to awkward sleeping position. Many women experience these cramps in their day-to-day life.

• Overexertion of muscles - This is one of the most common and acceptable cause, since the muscles are under stress while working and this often result in contractions.

• Exercise - Athletes and sports people often experience this painful condition, since their muscles are always stressed out and they perspire a lot

• Structural disorders
• Standing on concrete surfaces
• Prolonged sitting
• Inappropriate leg positions
• Dehydration
• Muscle fatigue
• Diminished blood supply

• Consumption of alcohol
• Cirrhosis
• Diarrhea
• Electrolytic imbalance - Deficiencies of minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, or disturbed levels of the same can cause severe leg and foot cramps in women

• Dialysis
• Gastric bypass surgery
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney failure
• Lead poisoning
• Motor neuron problems
• Consumption of oral contraceptives
• Peripheral artery disease

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Sarcoidosis - Inflammation or swelling of body tissues
• Diseases like Addison's disease and Parkinson's disease

• Some medications in which antibiotics are used, like salbutamol used for asthma, or diuretics

• Pregnancy is another cause for leg cramps. Many women in the latter stages of their trimester are affected by this condition. This condition is often related with the pressure on the blood vessels because of the increasing size of the uterus, which causes lack blood circulation to the lower part of the body i.e. the legs and the feet.

• Firstly, stretch your calf muscles and then flex it. Repeat this many times in a day. Perform some stretching exercises as well, as they help reduce the pain.
• Apply hot compress to muscles and massage them.
• Don't sit at one place and walk around. Being active is very important.

• A hot shower or a warm bath provide relief from leg cramps.
• Pregnant females should avoid standing for long and they should continue doing the leg exercises. Also, massaging the calves provides relief.

• The best way to prevent leg cramps is by drinking lots of water.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages, since they may make you dehydrated.
• Also, make sure that your diet is healthy with all the minerals in their appropriate amounts.

• Stretch your muscles before going to sleep everyday.
• Keep rolled up blankets below your feet before sleeping, this position is perfect for appropriate blood circulation.

Leg cramp is a temporary discomfort, so, you need not worry. If the leg cramps trouble you for many days, consult a doctor, as it might be a cause of some other complications.