Leg cramps can put a damper on your day and startle you unpleasantly from sleep. If you get leg cramps frequently, you may be able to pinpoint the cause as something to do with your lifestyle. However, cramps in your legs also can be a sign that you are develop[ing problems in your veins and need to see a specialist.
At Progressive Spine and Sports Medicine in Ramsey, New Jersey, our team of experienced pain medicine doctors routinely evaluate patients with leg cramps and provide diagnosis and solutions to help you stay healthy and pain free.
Although there are specific medical conditions that can cause leg cramps no matter your lifestyle, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), your daily habits could be the issue.
Sometimes you don’t need to look any further than your lifestyle to figure out why you get leg cramps. Here are some common causes of leg cramps that can be resolved simply by tweaking your daily routine.
Not drinking enough water is one of the most common causes of leg cramps, particularly for athletes. If you increase your fluid intake and notice that your leg cramps decrease in frequency and severity or even go away completely, it’s quite likely dehydration was at fault.
Lack of specific nutrients, vitamins, or minerals can cause leg cramps. The biggest culprit is not getting enough potassium. If you don’t have enough potassium in your system, your brain and muscles can’t communicate properly, leading to sudden, uncontrolled muscle spasms.
If you have to sit or stand for longer periods at work, circulation can be compromised in your legs, and you can get cramps in your thighs and/or calves. Making sure you change positions frequently can help minimize these types of leg cramps.
If you like to go for a morning jog but find yourself doubled over halfway home because of what feels like knots in your calves, you might have forgotten some important pre-workout steps. Always stretch, hydrate, and get some carbs in your system before strenuous exercise, or your leg muscles will pay the price.
Lifestyle changes not solving the problem? Need to make sure your leg cramps aren’t being caused by a venous or arterial issue? Call our office at 201-201-0443, fill out our web-based contact form, or book an appointment using our online scheduling system today.
