Surprising Triggers Behind Pesky Muscle Cramps

9. Neurological Conditions

Leg cramps caused by neurological conditions often signal an underlying problem. This type of pain is called a secondary cramp, and it is caused by nerve damage or another identifiable cause. Motor neuron disease is a rare condition that damages parts of the nervous system gradually, leading to muscle weakness and sometimes visible shrinkage or wasting. This disease occurs when nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord stop working efficiently, which is known as neurodegeneration. Motor neuron disease has been known to cause leg cramps in patients with the ailment. Peripheral neuropathy develops in humans when the nerves in the hands, feet, arms, or legs are damaged. Symptoms will depend on which nerves have been damaged, but this condition is known to cause numbness, extreme sensitivity, lack of coordination, pain, tickling, and leg cramps.

10. Infections And Disease

Liver disease is one known ailment that directly causes toxins to build up in the bloodstream, which can lead to muscle spasms and cramps, including in the legs. Bacterial infections can also hurt the nervous system of the body. One primary disease that contributes to leg cramps is myositis, which causes muscle weakness and can lead to spasms. If toxins are high within the body, there is an increased chance of experiencing leg cramps. This consequence is due to the nerves responding to the toxins and sending messages to the muscles, in this case, the leg muscles. High levels of mercury in the body is a well-known cause of leg cramps; this substance can build up in the body, creating toxic levels of the chemical, which wreaks havoc on the nerves and arteries.