A leg cramp is the uncontrolled, or involuntary contraction of one or more leg muscles. A patient will feel a sudden and sharp pain and notice a hard lump of muscle that can be felt or seen. Common causes of muscle cramps include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, nerve compression and inadequate blood supply, states MayoClinic.com. Most muscle cramps resolve on their own; however a patient should seek treatment if cramps are recurrent or are keeping the patient awake at night.
Stretching
The first thing a patient should do when a leg cramp strikes is to stretch, states Medline Plus. Stretching can help release the involuntary contraction that is characteristic of a leg cramp. A stretch can be maintained until the cramp resolves. Furthermore, MayoClinic.com states that a patient should stretch before and after using a muscle for an extended period of time to avoid cramps. In addition, patients who tend to have frequent nighttime cramps should stretch before they go to bed.
To stretch the calf muscles, a patient should place both hands on a wall. He should then extend one foot away from the wall with his foot flat on the ground. He should continue extending his foot away from the wall until he feels a stretch in his calf. The stretch should be held for 30 seconds.
To stretch the hamstrings, or the muscles in the back of the legs, he should stand up straight with his feet shoulder width apart. Then, he should bend over from the waist and try to touch his toes. This stretch should be held for 30 seconds.
To stretch the quadriceps, or thigh muscles, he should stand near a wall or table. Now he should take one foot off the ground and bend it toward his buttocks. He should hold the foot with the hand that is not holding the wall. He should pull on the foot until he feels a stretch in his quadriceps. This should be held for 30 seconds.
Hydration
MayoClinic.com recommends that a patient drink plenty of fluids daily. Adequate hydration is necessary because fluids help the muscles contract and relax effectively. An athlete must be sure to drink fluids during and after physical activity to avoid dehydration. Furthermore, patients who exercise in warm weather are more prone to develop cramps. Thus, these patients must take care in drinking fluids before, during and after warm weather exercise.
Ice and Heat Therapy
Ice and heat therapy may be effective in treating leg cramps. MayoClinic.com recommend using a cold pack to relax tense muscles or using a warm towel if the patient has pain or tenderness in the cramped muscle. Therapy should be performed as soon as possible after a leg cramp's onset to ease discomfort and provide relief.
