It is generally believed that leg cramps are caused by a lack of calcium in the body. In fact, this is not entirely true, as some people have cramps that are not caused by calcium deficiency, and quite a few elderly people have cramps as usual after treatment with calcium supplements. So this is a problem that we need to clarify.
The so-called “leg cramps”, medically known as “painful leg cramps”, manifests itself as a sudden, violent, involuntary contraction of one or several groups of muscles in the legs. Although the cramps only occur for a few minutes, the residual discomfort or tenderness in the muscles can last for several hours afterwards. The more common is the calf gastrocnemius (calf belly) cramp in the elderly, commonly seen when swimming, such as in deep water suddenly very dangerous; sometimes the thigh and foot muscles will also cramp, and most occur at night when sleeping, continuous cramps are uncomfortable, affecting sleep. Most of the “leg cramps” encountered clinically at night are idiopathic, i.e., no cause can be found. However, when suffering from certain diseases, such as multiple muscle diseases, peripheral neuropathy, uremia, diabetes, thyroid disease, low magnesium, low calcium, low potassium, etc., the probability of “leg cramps” is greatly increased, which is called “secondary leg cramps”. Of course, most patients with “leg cramps” are related to calcium deficiency, for example, postmenopausal women, dieting and weight loss. In addition, the use of certain drugs, such as hormones, morphine for pain, cimetidine for stomach problems, diuretics and nifedipine for lowering blood pressure, statins for lowering cholesterol, lithium salts for psychiatric use, etc., can also trigger “secondary leg cramps”. Experts point out that idiopathic nocturnal “leg cramps” are a benign process, also known as benign convulsions, so there is no need to worry too much. However, it should not be left unattended, but should be seen by a doctor to rule out whether it is caused by a disease or an adverse reaction to a drug. ”Leg cramps” also occur after strenuous exercise, such as soccer players, due to the large accumulation of metabolic products such as lactic acid in the muscle, or due to peripheral vascular disease, etc.. Women who work in a sedentary position for long periods of time and wear high heels also suffer from cramps, suggesting that improper stretching of muscles and tendons can trigger leg cramps. How to deal with “leg cramps” in case of emergency? Once a “leg cramp” occurs during sleep at night, you can interrupt the attack by taking compulsory inhibitory actions on your own after waking up. If you have a cramp in your calf, you can straighten your knee joint and dorsiflex your foot and plantar to relieve the symptoms; you can also pull or massage the cramped muscles. In case of toe cramps, the toes can be reversed with the assistance of the hand to end the attack. Under medical supervision, patients with “leg cramps” can also take appropriate medications. If it is clear that calcium intake is not sufficient, calcium supplementation can be given priority, preferably before bedtime. If calcium supplementation does not relieve the cramps, try vitamin E supplementation twice a day for 2 weeks; after the symptoms are reduced, change to once a day. If calcium and vitamin E supplementation does not work, try magnesium and potassium supplementation. Other patients need to use vasodilators, or anticholinergic muscle relaxants, or calcium antagonists, or even antiepileptic drugs, which must be taken under the guidance of a doctor. ”If you are a frequent sufferer of leg cramps, you should pay attention to the following aspects of prevention: avoid taking alcohol, coffee and cola and other central nervous system stimulating drinks before going to bed; do not read books or stimulating films and dramas that have a refreshing effect; do not get angry, do not get angry, etc. Adjust your mental state to fall asleep quickly when sleepiness is strong, and make sure the quality of sleep is stable at night. Maintain a comfortable and warm sleeping environment. Cold often triggers cramps, such as winter legs placed outside the nest will easily cramp. It is better not to wear high heels. In addition, scientific exercise to reduce the occurrence of cramps, such as passive pulling gastrocnemius muscle 3 times a day for several days can prevent frequent attacks of calf cramps. Try to avoid foods high in sugar and caffeine, as high sugar and caffeine affect calcium absorption.