Surprising Triggers Behind Pesky Muscle Cramps

13. Peripheral Neuropathy

The peripheral nervous system is responsible for the transmission of information from the central nervous system to other areas of the body and consists of nerves and pathways residing outside of the brain and spinal cord. When these nerves and pathways are damaged, due to trauma, illness, toxins and genetic abnormalities, a condition called peripheral neuropathy can develop. While it can be attributed to a variety of factors, peripheral neuropathy is most frequently associated with diabetes. One of the most common symptoms of this form of neuropathy is leg cramps, which can be painful in nature. These leg cramps can be accompanied by a wide variety of other symptoms, including loss of sensation in the hands, feet and legs, muscle twitching, and changes in skin, hair or nails. There is currently no cure, but there are several treatment options to manage the condition, including over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, as well as lidocaine injections and patches.

14. Sitting Improperly Or For Long Periods

Sitting improperly or for long periods of time can also lead to leg cramps. These type of leg cramps are especially common among individuals who have desk or sedentary type jobs in which sitting for hours on end occur regularly. Muscles are designed to not only be in motion but to have proper blood and oxygen flow to keep them healthy. Sitting improperly can impede blood flow, which can then lead to muscle contraction and cramps in the legs. To prevent cramping from occurring for this reason, it is important to stand up and walk for a few minutes every hour. This will get the leg muscles moving and encourage proper blood flow to the legs. It is also important to remember good posture when sitting and to avoid sitting on the legs or leaving them in curled positions for too long.