Prevent leg cramps

Background

Though in most cases they last only for a short period of time, there are cases in which cramps in the leg region can be much longer in duration. Also in particular cases, they can be indicative of overexertion, or even of a certain illness more severe in nature. When it comes to this particular condition, it is important to know that it is induced by rather involuntary muscle contractions in the leg and the surrounding region. One of the side effects is also a fairly intense pain, which makes this a pretty unpleasant condition to be under the influence of, since it can have damaging effects on the movement abilities of the person in question. The above mentioned unexpected contraction of the muscles can be a direct consequence of such conditions as excessive fatigue, obesity, dehydration, as well as due to the effects of particular medications. Despite, the fact that there does not exist a particular “target” group, people considered to be at the greatest risk of suffering from this particular condition are those who have reached the autumn of their lives, i.e. the older persons. As far as the target muscle groups are concerned, those are mostly hamstrings, calves and quadriceps.

Preventive measures

In spite of their short-term nature (mostly a couple of minutes), cramps occurring in a leg/legs can nonetheless bring about an immense and intense bouts of pain and uneasiness. Among those preventive measures, the most uncomplicated one is to stretch your body parts well before doing any physical activity more demanding in nature. This method is extremely beneficial when there is a need to relax those fibers found in muscles and thus ward off and prevent those unpleasant cramps for good. Another important thing that one should not only have in mind, but do as well is to keep your body properly hydrated at all times. And most of all, do so in case you are considering taking up a physical activity more demanding than usual light daily activities. If at the bottom of this condition there lie low levels of potassium, magnesium and calcium the best way to get back to normal and avoid recurrence is by consuming types of food that abound in the previously mentioned nutritious substances. Among the most beneficial food types for warding off these always unpleasant and unwanted leg cramps found are such as broccoli, bananas, as well as prune and orange juice.