AI Overview
You may be getting cramps due to dehydration, muscle fatigue from overexertion or inactivity, or a lack of essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium. Other common causes include certain medications, pregnancy, age, and underlying conditions like peripheral artery disease.
Causes related to lifestyle and physical activity
Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can lead to cramping.
Muscle fatigue: Overworking muscles or, conversely, inactivity can dysregulate nerve signals and cause cramps.
Electrolyte imbalance: Low levels of minerals like sodium, potassium, or calcium can be a trigger. This can happen from heavy sweating or if you have a low-salt diet.
Incorrect footwear: Shoes that lack proper support or are ill-fitting can strain your feet and leg muscles.
Prolonged sitting: Sitting for long periods can impede circulation and lead to cramps.
Causes related to health and body
Age: The frequency of cramps increases with age due to natural changes in muscles and tendons.
Pregnancy: Cramps are common, especially in later stages of pregnancy.
Certain medications: Diuretics, statins, and other drugs can have cramps as a side effect.
Underlying medical conditions: Peripheral artery disease (PAD), which narrows arteries, can cause cramp-like pain when you walk because your muscles aren't getting enough oxygen. Other conditions like hypothyroidism or kidney failure can also be a factor.
What to do
Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you exercise heavily, a sports drink may help replace lost electrolytes.
Stretch and move:
G
ently stretch your muscles and try to be more active. If you sit for long periods, take breaks to walk around and stretch.
Check your footwear:
Ensure your shoes are supportive and comfortable.
Review medications:
Talk to your doctor to see if any medications you are taking could be causing cramps.
Consult a doctor:
If cramps are frequent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like leg pain or swelling, see a doctor to rule out an underlying condition like PAD.
Leg cramps - NHS
a
geing. putting too much strain on muscles during exercise, which can be worse in hot or humid weather. pregnancy (usually in the ...
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Leg Cramps at Night - Cleveland Clinic
Who gets leg cramps? The older you are, the more likely you are to have leg cramps. This is because your tendons (the tissues that...
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How can I avoid muscle cramps when exercising? - Bupa UK
Keep hydrated ... If you sweat a lot during exercise, you lose fluid and electrolytes, such as salt (sodium). Although we don't kn...
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