Causes of leg cramps and treatment methods

The German Pharmaceutical Journal reported that leg cramps have several causes, some of which are simple and some of which are serious.

The health magazine explained that leg cramps may be due to sitting for long periods, which leads to a disturbance in blood flow in the leg.

Mineral metabolism disorder

Leg cramps may also be due to a disturbance in the body's mineral metabolism, i.e. a deficiency in minerals important for muscle health such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium, due to sweating caused by exercise or diarrhea.

The cause of this disorder may also lie in serious diseases, such as kidney failure, thyroid dysfunction and pancreatitis.

Leg cramps may also be due to blood flow disorders, nerve damage, injury to the intervertebral discs or joint problems such as knee erosion.

The importance of stretching exercises

The magazine added that leg cramps can initially be treated through stretching exercises and light movement, as well as heat applications such as placing a hot bottle on the sole of the leg.

A doctor should be consulted immediately if leg cramps persist and are accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and signs of paralysis.