Leg cramps, also known as charley horse, occur when muscles of the leg contract all of sudden with a force. Usually people experience the cramps in the calves, but you can also get them at the hamstrings or the quadriceps. These cramps do not last very long, usually under a minute. Some people regularly get leg cramps while sleeping in the night and this is mainly seen in seniors and middle aged people. Night leg cramps occur due to bad circulation to the lower limbs.

Usually the cause for legs cramps is not drinking sufficient amounts of water. Water helps to transport nutrients to all the parts of the body and if you do not drink enough water, then nutrients supply is hampered. Also, the muscles have to be properly hydrated in order to function normally.

Another reason for experiencing cramps in the legs is deficiency in minerals. Usually low levels of calcium, potassium and magnesium can cause cramps in the legs. If you are suffering from calcium deficiency, you will initially experience tremors and twitching in the muscles that will then progress to cramps. Potassium and magnesium help to maintain the electrolyte balance in the body and also aid in the controlling and building muscles. So, deficiency in potassium and magnesium can cause severe cramps in the legs. Sometimes, even over exercising or doing too may different exercises can lead to cramps in the legs.

Some of the other causes for experiencing legs cramps are dehydration, being overweight, having an imbalance in electrolytes, muscle fatigue, or taking medications like statins or prednisone.

If you are experiencing legs cramps, make sure that you eat foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Try to incorporate foods like bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, and citrus fruits in your daily diet. In addition, drink around 6 to 8 glasses of water and reduce your caffeine and sugar consumption. If you get a sudden attack of cramps, try massaging the area, doing some stretching movements or applying a hot compress. The massage should be in circular movements to loose the muscles in the affected region. If you regularly experience leg cramps in the night, drink a glass of warm water or take a warm bathe before retiring to bed.

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