Leg cramps, caused by involuntary muscle contraction and also called a "charley horse," can come on without warning and be excruciatingly painful. They are a sudden and intense tightening of skeletal muscle that won't relax, typically affecting a muscle in the thigh or calf. When they occur at night, the intense pain can wake you from a sound sleep. In most cases, the cause is unknown, but if the cramps occur due to an electrolyte imbalance, certain foods may help alleviate them.
Causes
Leg cramps caused by muscle spasms are often the result of overusing certain muscles. Any type of strenuous physical activity that relies on repetitive actions can be the culprit, including tennis, bowling, swimming and running. Nocturnal leg cramps are also experienced during pregnancy. Metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and poor circulation, can increase the likelihood of experiencing leg cramps. Diuretics can cause an imbalance in the electrolyte levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium, leading to leg cramps. Prolonged bouts of strenuous exercise performed in hot weather can cause dehydration, also leading to an electrolyte imbalance.
Diagnosis
If you are experiencing frequent bouts of leg cramps, consult a physician to determine the underlying cause because treatment options vary. Your physician can perform blood tests to find out if you have an imbalance in electrolyte levels. Your doctor will also take a detailed history concerning when and what you are doing when you experience muscle cramps.
Keeping Hydrated
Participating in a strenuous outdoor sport, such as running or tennis, in hot weather can quickly lead to dehydration. The increased sweating that occurs during warmer weather causes the loss of bodily fluid more quickly, taking essential electrolytes sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium along with it. When exercising in hot weather, it is important to keep hydrated with water and sports drinks containing the essential electrolytes.
Foods That Can Help
Diuretic blood pressure medications, also called "water pills," can deplete electrolyte levels in the same way excessive sweating does. If you are advised by your doctor to increase your levels of potassium, calcium or magnesium, certain foods can help. Potassium is needed to keep blood pressure stable and for maintaining a regular heartbeat. Drugs.com says bananas, oranges, papaya, tomatoes and pears are all high in potassium. Other foods that contain high amounts of potassium, calcium and magnesium include yogurt, cheese, milk, sweet potatoes, avocado, asparagus, kale, pinto beans, soy milk, salmon and peanut butter.
Precautions
You should not boost dietary electrolyte supplementation unless your doctor orders it. Not all types of leg cramps require additional water, sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium to be alleviated. Most types of leg cramps respond to gentle stretching exercises. Other conditions that can cause leg cramps, such as a neurological disorder or poor circulation, will require other forms of treatment.
