Effective Treatments For Leg Cramps

Try Low Impact Exercises

Low impact exercises are types of exercise that involve one foot on the ground at all times. Since individuals aren't jumping or leaping, they don't experience the jarring impact from hitting the ground with all their weight. High impact exercises can cause muscle aches and may increase an individual's likelihood of developing muscle and leg cramps. Some low impact exercises are hiking, walking, and using an elliptical machine. Exercises with no impact include swimming and biking, which don't require individuals to bear their own weight in their legs. There are some stretches individuals can do for their calf muscles prior to exercise as well. They should try sitting with their feet straight in front of them and wrap a towel around their feet, before pulling their toes toward them until they feel a stretch through their calves.

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Get Evaluated for Underlying Conditions

If their leg cramps occur on a regular basis and don't appear connected to dehydration, excess physical activity, or too-long periods of rest, patients might need to get evaluated for an underlying condition. There are many conditions that can cause leg cramps. Some are mild, while others are more serious and possibly even life-threatening. Addison's disease, liver cirrhosis, alcohol abuse, hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes, lead poisoning, vascular disease, sarcoidosis, Parkinson's disease, and peripheral artery disease have all been linked to leg cramps. Pregnancy also commonly causes leg and other muscle cramps. Some leg cramps might also be caused by gait issues due to naturally flat feet. They may occur as a side effect of cancer treatment, certain oral birth controls, or medications including teriparatide, raloxifene, naproxen, conjugated estrogens, and IV iron sucrose.