What causes muscle cramps, and is there any way to stop them?
357609
Depends on a number of factors, but two big reasons could be: (1) calcium depletion, especially if you are older...take a Cal-Mag-Zince supplement every day. (3) dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance if it is sports related. Drink lots of fluids before, during, and after exercise. Someone else already recommended sports drinks. There are excellent ones and others that are a waste of money, so choose wisely.
1015551
If your leggs are cramping you might need to get your potassium checked..low potassium causes cramps in the leggs.
561742
Are you drinking enough water? \n\nThe main causes of cramp are anaerobic exercise (not getting enough oxygen to the muscles that are working) and dehydration.\n\nIf drinking water doesn't help, then you might be low in iron, as this is needed for the blood to transport oxygen to where it is needed.\n\nBut you must check with a doctor before you take any kind of supplements when you are pregnant.
643555
Leg cramps are Muscle cramps, and most muscle cramps are caused by a salt imbalance.  You could have a sodium-potassium imbalance, meaning the ratio between regular salt(table salt, and Potassium salt) is out  of whack .  Generally, the conventional wisdom is to eat bananas.  However, Potatoes contain more potassium.  \n\nThe other salt that can contribute to cramps is lack of Magnesium.\n\nIn general, the salt supplement, or food containing the salt is utilized the next day, so taking on more of the salts the day of the race, or activity is not going to help.\n\nGood luck.
227051
Natural Ways to Ways to Cure and Prevent Leg Cramps - More Than Home Remedies\nIf you get a leg cramp (or charley horse), the quickest way to get rid of it is to walk on the leg. If the person can't get up and walk on the leg, either heat or ice along with massage will help.\n\nDrinking two ounces of natural apple cider vinegar has been reported to relieve involuntary muscle contractions or cramping in 35 seconds.\n\nBut, if you get leg cramps often, the best thing is to prevent them from happening in the first place.\n\nTaking calcium  and magnesium supplements (or calcium magnesium combination) and eating a banana daily prevent most leg cramps. If this alone does not do the trick, these will help increase circulation: Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. And, zinc helps your body absorb the calcium and regulate the B vitamins.\n\nLeg cramps caused by insufficient fluid intake are prevented by drinking about eight glasses of water each day.\n\nLeg cramps that occur during or after vigorous exercise can be prevented by eating a few bites of something salty and drinking at least half a glass of water before, during and after exerting yourself.
81228
If you suffer constantly from muscular cramps, it means your body lacks calcium. Keep a needle around you: if you have a sudden, painful cramp, just prick your muscle with the needle: it won't hurt, but will relieve the pain. And get some calcium supplements, ok? Good luck!
62834
Supplementing your diet with minerals/vitamins could help. I find that Calcium/Magnesium helps with back pain, cramps, sensitivity to sound and mood. Also try a B-50 complex, it helps with stress *(Warning it will turn your urine bright yellow, don't be alarmed). Also, if you are over 21 my mom always said having a drink of alcohol helps thin the blood and helps with cramps.. not sure if it's true but it will relax you.
548268
So many things could be causing your cramp.  Aloe Vera is very soothing to both the stomach and the nerves.  I would try adding 1/2 cup of the juice to orange juice and drinking that a couple of times daily.  You could also visit an herb store near you and get muscle tested to discover what is causing the problem.
913495
Getting cramps can mean a multitude of things.\n\nFirst of all, you should always stretch every day.  This should be done even if you are not going to do any type of organized exercise.\n\nAre you dehydrated?  Drinking more water can help the cramping in your muscles.\n\nAre you breathing correctly when you are walking?  When you breathe in, your stomach should go out so that you fill your diaphram completely.\n\nMaking sure that you get enough potassium in your diet can help.  Try bananas.\n\nIf these things do not work, I recommend consulting your physician.
975504
try eating a banana a little while before running. Also taking some TUMS. My husband uses both to deter cramping and he's always fine. Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day.\nAlso make sure you are breathing correctly while running. It sounds like you are catching wind. If you can't maintain proper breathing try slowing down a little. breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth
1100141
what happened to you is called a "CHARLIE HORSE"  a really painful leg cramp i get them sometimes.  You get them because you are lacking POTASSIUM  you can prevent them by eating a banana, or taking a supplement but bananas do the trick the problem is if you eat a banana today you may get a charlie horse tonight but if you continue to eat a banana every day you won't have them starting tommorrow(it takes a day to absorb)  also you may be dehydrated drink more water and it will help also don't worry alot of people get them and they suck! so forget about the apple a day theory an banana will do the trick!
609709
Leg cramps are most generally caused by a LACK OF POTASSIUM. I have to take both a diuretic and prescription potassium as Nothing on the market over the counter will do it for me...it is so painful without the potassium. my body simply retains salt from the foods i eat and there fore the diuretic. Now if your husband has restless Leg Syndrome...they call that "ASKENETHIA"(SP?) &is treaded with  (most copmmonly clonazepam..a benzodiazapine at the mg. of .05 mg. per night. ~ I hope that this helps.
365471
Start taking Calcium Citrate twice a day. Bunch of recent studies have shown this can really help. \nI have wretched cramps and every doc I've asked has recommended this. (I've just been lazy about doing it.) \nshort of that, I love the midol (always take with food or you will pay for it when you're older!) and I like to use those thermacare pads or a heating pad.
121237
It could be a muscle cramp\nwho knows
468380
rub it; as a part-time personal trainer & former college athlete, trust me when I say I've dealt with quite a few muscle cramps! it also helps if you use something like Tiger Balm that heats the area and helps reduce the pain.
315914
Go to a Dr for their opinion if the cramping you are experienceing is considered "normal". Once other problems of fibroids etc are eliminated then take into consideration your diet, exercise and stress which all contribute to cramps. Chiropractic care is another option to be considered as well as alignment of the spine can contribute to your problem. Other options are look into various teas available to drink that are thought to help in this area.
779115
Muscle spasms generally occur when your body is not hydrated and is low in much needed electrolytes.  Drink a bottle of water or Gatorade, it won't make it stop right away, but it will prevent it from happening later.  If it keeps spasming (even if it doesn't hurt) call your doctor or health care provider, they may have a hot line that helps with general things like this.