Most exercise carries only a minor risk of injury. Leg cramps, however, are one of the most common injuries that can happen during physical activity, but they're treatable and can even be prevented with simple measures. By stretching, avoiding overexertion, staying hydrated and keeping your temperature balanced, you can avoid leg cramps and easily treat those that do arise.
Causes
According to the international healthcare company Bupa, leg cramps related to exercise are most often caused by overexertion, extreme temperatures, dehydration, salt imbalance or low blood sugar. Brief to medium periods of moderate exercise are less likely to result in leg cramps because the body isn't worked as hard as it is during longer, more intense periods of vigorous exercise.
Other Factors
If you get a leg cramp while exercising, the most likely cause has to do with your physical movements, but there may be other factors involved. The March of Dimes notes that leg cramps may occur more often during exercise if you are pregnant, especially within your second or third trimester. You may also be subject to an increased risk of leg cramps during exercise and at other times if you're taking medication, are on dialysis, have an under-active thyroid or suffer from a nerve disorder.
Risks
When you get a leg cramp during exercise, slow down. Stretch gently or stop until the cramp is relieved. If your muscles are stiff or not properly warmed up, you run the risk of straining them or tearing muscle tissue. Persistent or severe leg cramps can be treated with prescription medications, but many of those medications have potentially serious side effects that you'll need to discuss with a doctor. Leg cramps due to illness or other serious factors may need to be treated with physical therapy or antibiotics.
Treatment
Most leg cramps due to exercise go away soon after they arise and don't require medical attention or specific treatment. If you have a cramp that persists, the U.S. National Library of Medicine recommends treating cramped leg muscles by resting, elevating the leg with the cramp, applying an ice pack several times per day, gently stretching and massaging the cramped muscle or taking over-the-counter pain medication.
Prevention
Staying hydrated is one important way you can help prevent leg cramps. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking liquids throughout the day, whether you are exercising or not, and replenishing liquids often when you are being active. Proper hydration helps muscles contract and relax as they need to and reduces the likelihood of cramped, stiff muscles. Stretching after a warm-up and at the end of an exercise period also helps prevent cramps. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends stretching your calf, hamstring and quadriceps muscles before and after working out to lengthen the muscle fibers.
