subject: Chiropractor Rogers Mn | Leg Pain Due To Muscle Cramps [print this page] A common cause of leg pain is muscle crampsA common cause of leg pain is muscle cramps. When functioning normally, a muscle contracts when you use it, and then stretches out again when the movement is completed or it's moved by another muscle in the opposite direction. A muscle cramp happens when a muscle contracts with great intensity and then doesn't stretch out again. A lot of times leg cramps occur at night, particularly in the calf muscles and the feet.
Causes of Muscle Cramping -
Imbalances in the body's electrolyte levels frequently cause muscle cramps. This usually means deficiencies in potassium, calcium, or magnesium; it can also mean a vitamin E deficiency. Other causes include unaccustomed physical exertion; sitting, standing, or lying in one position for extended periods; allergies; anemia; arteriosclerosis; arthritis; fibromyalgia; hormone imbalances; inactivity; and tobacco use. Dehydration, heat stroke, hypothyroidism, and varicose veins are also causes of leg muscle cramping.
Nutritional Prevention of Muscle Cramping -
Eating alfalfa, brewer's yeast, cornmeal, dark green leafy vegetables, and kelp will help keep adequate levels of cramp-preventing vitamins and minerals in your system. Drinking a large glass of good water (steam-distilled is best, but at the very least filtered) every three hours during the day will flush out toxins in the muscles-in addition to keeping you hydrated.
You should take 1,500 milligrams of calcium and 750 milligrams or more of magnesium daily. Calcium and magnesium deficiencies are probably the most common cause of muscle cramping at night. Chelate or citrate forms are best.
Vitamin E, starting with 400 IU daily and slowly increasing to 1,000 IU, will enhance circulation. Vitamin E deficiency can cause leg cramps while standing or walking.
Malic acid is important for the production of energy in muscle cells, and magnesium is a cofactor in cellular energy production; these should both be taken as directed on the label. Potassium, 99 milligrams daily, is necessary for the proper metabolism of calcium and magnesium, and it also aids in the relief of muscle cramps.
A vitamin B complex is important for improving circulation and cellular function. In addition, B-1 will enhance circulation and may help to maintain muscle tone. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids improves circulation, and vitamin D-3 is necessary for calcium uptake.
Dimethylglycine, taken as instructed on its label, enhances tissue oxygenation. Coenzyme Q-10 improves heart function and circulation and lowers blood pressure. A multivitamin is important, because all nutrients are necessary for fully healthy and functional muscles.
Treating Leg Cramps -
If your legs are prone to cramping, massage your muscles, and use heat to relieve pain. Rub pure, unprocessed olive or flaxseed oil into the muscles before and after exercise, and/or add 25 drops of oil to a hot bath. Rubbing lobelia extract on the affected muscles will relieve spasms. For the bath, you can also use canola oil. Taking a hot bath with mineral salts prior to going to bed will increase blood flow to your muscles.
