Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in the diet can cause leg cramps. Medicines often prescribed for high blood pressure can cause increased urination, which may drain the body of these minerals.
High sodium sports drinks are specifically formulated with various salts to help prevent cramping. It is important to note that when high levels of plain water are consumed alone, blood sodium levels can dip too low, and a dangerous situation known as Hyponatremia can occur.
It's been suggested that drinking 2 to 3 ounces of tonic water before bedtime can prevent leg cramps at night.
Most of the time, there's no known cause for night leg cramps. In general, they're likely the result of tired muscles and nerve problems. The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age. Pregnant people also are more likely to have night leg cramps.
Stretch during the day and before bed. Focus on your calf and foot muscles. Drink plenty of water. Move around during the day to exercise your feet and legs.
A potential cause of leg cramps is a vitamin deficiency, though research into this is ongoing. Vitamins B1, B12, and D may help relieve them, along with potassium and magnesium. This article discusses whether vitamin deficiencies can cause leg cramps, home and medical treatment, and when a person should see a doctor.
But if your symptoms persist even after at-home remedies, it could be more than just leg pain—it could be your heart. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that is marked by limited blood flow to the limbs, particularly your legs, as a result of plaque buildup in your arteries.
"There are a lot of anecdotal reports of pickle juice helping with exercise-induced muscle cramps," says Dr. David Braunreiter, a sports medicine specialist at Houston Methodist. "In reality, any perceived benefit of pickle juice for cramps is likely due to the power of suggestion more than anything else."
What can people do to prevent muscle cramps? In large part, Dr. Morrissey says, stay hydrated and maintain a good balance of electrolytes. For people who tend to get muscle cramps at night, he suggests drinking Gatorade or Vitaminwater (both of which contain electrolytes) before retiring at night.
Bananas: A Time-Tested Treatment
You probably know that bananas are a good source of potassium. But they'll also give you magnesium and calcium. That's three out of four nutrients you need to ease muscle cramps tucked under that yellow peel.
Some individuals are more sensitive, however. They report digestive distress or muscle pain and weakness. This may be due to vitamin D liberating too much calcium into the blood stream. Others have also reported muscle cramps after taking a big dose of vitamin D.
Acetic acid is postulated to mitigate cramping by decreasing alpha motor neuron activity through oropharyngeal stimulation and inhibitory neurotransmitter production, while aiding in the role acetylcholine plays in muscle contraction and relaxation.
If you only get leg cramps occasionally, it is not a cause for concern and a medical diagnosis is not required. A visit to your GP will only be necessary if you get leg cramps frequently, or if they are so painful they disrupt your sleep and you are unable to function normally the next day.
Dark, Leafy Greens
Greens are among the more unexpected foods that deliver minerals that might help with muscle cramps. These are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium that can help replenish low levels of these minerals. Hunnes adds that they can also help with hydration since they're also full of water.
Drink plenty of fluids. You can also drink an electrolyte replacement drink or sports drink, such as Gatorade, after exercise. Walk around, or jiggle your leg. Stretch your calf muscles.
Quinine, the active ingredient in tonic water, has been suggested as a potential remedy for leg cramps due to its muscle-relaxing properties. It is believed to help reduce the frequency and intensity of muscle contractions that cause cramps.
Leg pain and cramping is common and often due to muscle spasms. While this pain can feel severe, it is usually not serious. But, sometimes, what feels like a leg cramp may actually be something more serious: a blood clot in your leg, also called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The body uses acetic acid to produce acetylcholine, which is essential for leg muscle contractions. This is why mustard is effective for leg cramp relief. Mustard contains acetic acid. Yellow Mustard is the only kind of mustard documented to relieve nighttime leg cramps.
We recommend starting with 200-250 mg of magnesium per day. Most of the research studies find that the benefits of magnesium for period cramps are magnified after at least two months of use. So, do not be discouraged if you do not see immediate results.