Whether causing excruciating pain or lingering soreness, leg cramps can be an extremely uncomfortable occurrence. As recommended by Harvard Health, stretching your legs and the muscles of the calf may help you find immediate relief. However, MayoClinic.com says your leg cramps may have several causes, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and muscle fatigue. Nevertheless, certain supplements have been found to ease the pain and can help you find relief.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E in its most active form in humans is known as alpha-tocopherol. According to one study by Dr. Samuel Ayres, former clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, vitamin E has been found to be effective in treating leg cramps by thinning the blood, thus it improves blood circulation to the legs and helps to lessen the occurrence of cramps.
Potassium
Potassium is an important electrolyte that is lost through sweating heavily or other causes of dehydration such as diarrhea. According to HealthCommunities.com, when too much potassium is lost from your body, muscle pain, general discomfort or irritability, and weakness can occur. Because leg cramps are associated with muscle pain and fatigue, replacing the potassium and water that is lost from your body can help to relieve discomfort. Be sure to stay hydrated whenever possible and consider consuming common sources of potassium such as bananas, meat, poultry and fish.
Calcium Lactate
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, loss of calcium, another important electrolyte, can lead to muscle cramps or involuntary movement of the muscles. Besides heavy exercise or diarrhea, there are also other possible reasons for a calcium deficiency. These include poor diet, hormonal imbalances, nutritional imbalances or other intestinal conditions that could interfere with the absorption of calcium. In such instances, supplementing your diet with calcium lactate can improve your deficiency and ease your leg cramps.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a necessary mineral that assists in your body's absorption and processing of calcium. While calcium affects muscle contractions, magnesium balances that effect and relaxes muscles. Therefore, lack of magnesium can affect the ability of the muscles to relax during leg cramps. Besides magnesium supplements, seeds, whole grains, leafy green vegetables and legumes are good sources of magnesium.
Quinine
According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, quinine had been typically recommended by doctors to relieve leg cramps due to its ability to decrease nerve excitability. However, due to the possibility of side effects, it is prohibited from being sold without a prescription. On the other hand, quinine tables are still available as dietary supplements without the need of a doctor's approval or prescription.
References
- The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: Leg Cramps
- National Institute of Health: Leg Cramps (Systremma) and "Restless Legs" Syndrome
- MayoClinic.com: Night Leg Cramps
- HealthCommunities.com: Hypokalemia
- Baby Center: Magnesium in Your Pregnancy Diet
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Muscle Cramp
