Everyone at some time or another experiences leg cramps. They occur when you are resting after a day of working in the yard, or exercising at the gym. There are many reasons why you could be experiencing leg cramps, a vitamin deficiency, anemia, arthritis, arteriosclerosis and some prescription drugs may cause leg cramps. If you suspect that your leg cramps are caused by a medical condition then call your physician, however if you have leg cramps from everyday activities then follow these tips.
Observation
Watch your activity level. If you note that you primarily sit throughout the day and then sit all night in front of the computer or television, then you are not getting enough exercise and this could be a primary reason for your leg cramps.
Prevent Leg Cramps
Change your daily routine by adding exercise. Park your car at the furthest spot and walk briskly to your work place or to the mall. Walk up and down the steps throughout the day. Plan a routine where you are able to exercise during your workday. By exercising on a daily basis, you will improve your circulation and prevent leg cramps.
Diet
Eat a well balanced diet. Avoid fried foods and processed foods. Increase your intake of green leafy vegetables the chlorophyll derived from these vegetables will add oxygen to your blood and increase blood flow.
Take a multi vitamin, and drink to glasses of low fat milk per day. Leg cramps may be due to an imbalance of calcium or magnesium. Therefore, the next time you awake in the middle of the night with a cramp in your leg, go out in the kitchen and drink an 8 oz glass of milk. If you detest milk then drink calcium enhanced soy milk or eat an 8-ounce serving of yogurt.
Hydrate your body with 6-8 glasses of water per day. Dehydration can cause leg cramps.
Improve circulation
Always warm up prior to working out. This is important whenever you are participating in any type of activity, such as cutting the grass, yard work or doing rigorous exercise. Prevent leg cramps by doing some stretching exercises. Stretch your body for a minimum of ten minutes before you start an activity. The stretching will loosen your muscles and will increase blood flow.
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