Muscle cramping is a common cause of leg pain and can result from dehydration and low electrolytes. Sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium are the primary minerals that also function as electrolytes in your body. Electrolytes are charged ion particles that transmit electrical signals important for maintaining normal functions of your nerves, heart and muscles. Deficiency of any one or all of the electrolytes increases your risk of leg pain.
Leg Pain and Cramps
Pain in your leg can be localized to a specific spot or radiate up or down from one region to another. The exact experience varies depending on the underlying cause of the pain. A cramp in your leg generally feels like a sudden, sharp spasm or contraction that can range from mild to severe discomfort for a short or long period of time. Electrolyte depletion is closely associated with leg cramps, not strains, inflamed tendons or stress fracture in the leg, which result from extensive injury.
Kidneys and Electrolytes
You consume electrolytes through eating mineral-rich foods or beverages. Along with water, electrolytes are balanced by your kidneys, which act as a filtration system. The kidneys pull the excess electrolytes from your bloodstream and what your body does not need gets eliminated into the urine. However, if your kidneys are not functioning properly an imbalance can occur, or if you lose an excess amount of electrolytes and fluid from sweating, vomiting or diarrhea, you can become electrolyte deficient. Strenuous physical activity like endurance sports, prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures, use of diuretic medications and general dehydration increase your risk of low electrolytes.
Electrolyte Imbalance
The most common electrolyte disorder in the U.S. occurs from low sodium, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The sodium in your body attracts water therefore, low sodium results in water loss. Your cells swell to compensate for the lack of sodium and water, which increases the incidence of cramping and pain. Potassium loss can also occur from sodium depletion and result in muscle weakness and cramps. The minerals calcium and magnesium work together to nourish muscle cells and low levels of these electrolytes may cause leg numbness or tingling, spasms and muscle fatigue.
Leg Pain Prevention and Electrolyte Balance
Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to maintain adequate hydration. Eat a well-balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods including fresh fruits or vegetables, whole grains, nuts and beans, to sustain electrolyte balance. If you engage in regular physical activity drink plenty of water or electrolyte-containing sports drinks before, during and after exercise to replenish lost fluids. Consult your physician for recommendations to prevent fluid loss if you take diuretic medications. In the event of serious leg pain, seek medical attention especially when experiencing swelling, fever, bruising, or worsening pain when walking.
