It is both annoying and painful to be startled awake by a cramp in your leg. Luckily, you can take steps to ward off the pain and prevent more from occurring. Generally, leg cramps occur at night, and according to the Mayo Clinic, the likelihood of their occurrence increases with age and pregnancy. Although eating a banana while you have a cramp will probably not provide instant relief, bananas contain potassium, which assists muscle function.
Leg Cramps
Leg cramps, also called charley horses, are sudden and seemingly unexplainable cramping, usually of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the calf. However, leg cramps may also occur in the thigh muscles. Generally, these cramps are harmless, but in rare cases, they may be a sign of other health problems such as peripheral arterial disease or spinal problems. If they continue to occur, you should consult your doctor.
Potassium
Bananas are a nutritious fruit, packed with about 600 mg of potassium. Potassium is crucial for cells, tissues and organs to function properly. It plays a role in heart function, skeletal and smooth muscle contraction and digestive function. Many muscle and nerve cells have channels specifically for moving potassium in and out of the cell. When this movement is blocked or there is a deficiency of potassium, activity of both muscles and nerves can become compromised. Thus, bananas can provide the body with a necessary factor for correct muscular function.
Electrolyte Balance
Potassium is one of the body's electrolytes, which are substances that conduct electricity when in water. Together with sodium, chloride, calcium and magnesium, electrolytes must be balanced for muscles to function properly. Dehydration can cause an imbalance of these electrolytes and lead to muscle cramps. Approximately 95 percent of potassium in the body is stored within cells, while sodium and chloride are located outside the cell.
Other Helpful Hints
Eating a banana will probably not immediately release the tension of a leg cramp. To release the pain, try massaging the muscles and stretching with the toe pointed upward. For warding off future cramps, the Mayo Clinic suggests staying hydrated, wearing shoes with proper support and taking a hot shower before bed.
