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Calf cramps are very common. Unfortunately, this ailment often bothers us at night, waking us up from sleep. Calf cramps are also a common complaint of pregnant women. Usually, it turns out to be a temporary symptom, but it may also be related to a chronic disease in the body.
Calf cramps can be troublesome. As a result, there is severe pain in the calf, which, however, can be alleviated by using home remedies. However, if the cause of calf cramp is deeper, we will not avoid this ailment for longer. If the contractions are frequent and intense, it is worth seeing a doctor.
Calf cramps – definition
Calf cramps are nothing but muscle cramps. A muscle contraction means that the length and tension of the fibers changes. Calf contractions are sudden and severe. They usually appear on the back of the lower leg. At the same time, the front side of the tibia is stretched.
As a result of calf contraction, you can often notice an automatic reaction of the toes and the entire foot. Strong and painful calf contractions can last up to several dozen seconds.
Order the OS1st CS6 Calf Compression Sleeve, which reduces the risk of cramps. The band is available on Medonet Market in the following colors: white, black, blue, gray, pink and yellow. You will find it in a variety of sizes. Currently, its price is subject to a discount.
Calf cramps – causes
Calf cramps can occur both during the day and at night. Their cause is most often:
- inadequate diet – the most common cause of calf cramps is dehydration of the body, which affects metabolic processes and deficiencies of minerals (including potassium and magnesium);
- taking diuretics and laxatives – the body loses both electrolytes and water;
- drinking coffee or other caffeinated products;
- too intense workouts, including to injuries of the calf muscles and their overheating;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- degenerative, osteopathic, inflammatory or disc disease;
- chronic venous insufficiency and atherosclerosis, neoplasms or the isthmus of nerve channels – which leads to changes and pressure in the larger blood vessels and nerves of the lower extremities;
- obesity, diabetes, anemia, etc.
To reduce the risk of cramps, include Glutamine Powder in your diet. You can buy the supplement on Medonet Market at a promotional price.
Calf cramps are also a problem for many pregnant women, usually occurring in the third trimester.
Calf cramps – treatment
Calf cramps can be bothersome and interfere with normal functioning. Treatment most often consists in removing their cause and introducing prophylaxis. The most common treatments for calf cramps are:
- medications – various painkillers, relievers, or ointments for calf cramps, used as a temporary measure in the event of a cramp. If used regularly, ointments can also help prevent calf cramps. Specialized drugs may be prescribed by a doctor, having established the immediate cause of the spasms;
- home remedies – home remedies are preventive. People with frequent calf cramps should therefore remember about moderate physical activity, more frequent breaks at work and changing body position, and about appropriate shoes.
If you struggle with cramps, try For Cramps – a herbal and fruit tea available at Medonet Market at a great price.
As an aid in the case of muscle cramps and pains, use the OS1st FS4 + n compression bandage for the calf and ankle joint in black or blue. This headband is available in various sizes. It improves blood flow and also relieves swelling and pain.
Calf cramps – prevention
The best way to treat calf cramps is to prevent them. The following will protect us from calf cramps:
- an appropriate diet in which we provide the right amount of magnesium, potassium and calcium. To avoid cramps, you should also give up coffee, alcohol, and foods rich in saturated fatty acids and oxalates.
- adequate amount of water in the diet – you should drink at least 2 liters of water a day;
- warm evening bath;
- massages and leg wraps.
For calf contractions massage, you can use the FASCIQ 360 ° Massage Ball and Roller Set, which includes: large and small smooth roller, large and small peanut ball, as well as a single Trigger Point Ball massage ball.
For making wraps, it is worth using Visiomed Thermotherapy Gel Compress, which you can buy on Medonet Market at a promotional price.
For calf cramps and prophylactically, we recommend a compression band for calf and ankle joint – OS1st FS6 + in black, white, pink or yellow. The bands are available in various sizes.