Sudden leg cramps while sleeping, is calcium deficiency? wrong! And these 3 reasons, don't ignore it lightly

Uncle Liu, who is in his early 70s this year, usually pays great attention to health preservation and has always maintained a good health. Some time ago, Uncle Liu found that his legs always cramp while sleeping. After checking the information on the Internet, he found that many professionals believed that leg cramps were caused by calcium deficiency, so they went to the pharmacy to buy a few boxes of calcium tablets.

However, after taking it according to the instructions on the instructions for a week, the symptoms of leg cramps still did not relieve, which troubled Uncle Liu, so he had to go to the hospital for investigation. The doctor pointed out that leg cramps may not necessarily be caused by calcium deficiency.

1. Why do the legs cramp?

The symptoms of leg cramps are actually not uncommon, but the first reaction of many people is that they are deficient in calcium, so why do legs cramp? What causes leg cramps?

Cramps are medically known as muscle spasms, which refer to the phenomenon of sudden tonic contractions of muscles, which usually occur during sleep, strenuous exercise, and swimming. There are many reasons for cramps, not necessarily calcium deficiency, but also the following reasons.

1. Too tired

Excessive exercise will cause people to be in a state of excessive fatigue, and the metabolism in the body will be affected, which will lead to the stimulation of the leg muscles and cause the symptoms of cramps.

2. Lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Once the atherosclerotic plaque is attached to the arterial wall of the lower extremity, it may lead to stenosis and blockage of the artery, causing insufficient blood supply to the lower extremity, resulting in some symptoms such as leg cramps, intermittent claudication, and lower extremity pain.

3. Calcium deficiency

Calcium deficiency in the body causes hypocalcemia, and the threshold of neuromuscular excitation becomes lower. Even small stimulation may cause neuromuscular excitation, causing abnormal leg contractions and leg cramps. This phenomenon is more common in the elderly and pregnant women. among.

4. Poor blood flow

People with symptoms of varicose veins in the legs may also suffer from poor blood flow if they remain in one position, which can lead to leg cramps.

2. What should I do if the cramp pain is unbearable? Solve one by one

Many people may have a deep understanding of it. Sometimes the cramps are unbearably painful, which is really disturbing. So what should I do if the cramps are so painful? Different parts have different solutions.

1. Toe cramps

If you notice a toe cramp, straighten your leg in time, press the heel of one foot with the cramped foot, and press the cramped ball back with the non-cramped foot.

2. Hip cramps

Squat with your feet apart and lift your hips up with your palms at the same time, repeat a few more times.

3. Thigh cramps

At this time, bend your knees, wrap your legs around your chest, squeeze a few times, then straighten your legs, and repeat a few times.

4. Calf cramps

For calf cramps, you need to straighten your legs, use your hands to push the soles of your feet back toward the instep, or push down on the ground with your cramped calves.

5. Upper Arm Cramps

Make a fist with the cramping hand, then bend the elbow, bring the forearm close to the upper arm, and straighten it hard, repeating several times until the symptoms are relieved.

6. Palm cramps

Interlace the fingers of both hands tightly, then turn the palms out and stretch forward vigorously, repeating several times until symptoms are relieved.

How to avoid cramps when sleeping at night?

If you want to avoid sleeping at night, cramps appear, and sleep is affected, you must master preventive measures.

It is recommended to observe the weather changes at any time and do a good job of adding or subtracting clothes. It is very important for the elderly to keep warm in winter. Don't stay in one position for a long time when sleeping. People with calcium deficiency should supplement calcium regularly. In addition, they should avoid excessive exercise, which may cause muscle fatigue or physical fatigue, which may also stimulate the symptoms of cramps in the calf.

The symptoms of leg cramps during sleep may not necessarily be caused by calcium deficiency, but may also be caused by fatigue, poor blood circulation, lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans, etc. For the cramps that appear in different parts, you can take different measures. In addition, there are usually some measures to prevent cramps.

References:

[1] Why do I always get cramps? What should I do if I have a sudden cramp? .Human Health.2020-12-21

[2] People who suffer from frequent leg cramps may have "blocked" blood vessels. Life Times 2021-12-31

[3] Cramps are not a disease, they hurt really badly! Learn these 4 tricks to help you prevent it~. CCTV Life Circle. 2017-12-14

Reproduction is prohibited without the author's permission