Calf cramps are manifested by an involuntary, intense and painful muscle contraction in the leg. Although mostly benign, these calf muscle cramps can sometimes be a sign of illness.

Calf cramps, or leg cramps, are the most common cramps. A cramp is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by involuntary, painful and intense contraction of a muscle.

What are the different types of leg cramps?

There are often two types of muscle cramps in the legs:

• essential cramps, which are benign and transient;
• secondary cramps, which are the result of an underlying condition in the body.

Sometimes calf and leg cramps are also classified as follows:

• cramps at rest, which usually occur at night (night cramps) ;
• cramps on exertion, which are among the common muscle injuries in athletes;
• pregnancy cramps, which commonly occur in pregnant women from the third trimester of pregnancy.

The most common calf cramps are essential cramps. They are characterized by:

• severe, sharp pain at the level of a calf;
• persistent pain the duration of which varies between a few minutes and a few hours;
• pain that usually appears resting et During the night ;
• muscle contraction which is palpable in the affected calf;
• a pain in the calf which generally persists for several hours.

The origin of so-called essential calf cramps

Calf cramps are said to be essential when they do not no obvious causes. The triggering of these pains is still poorly understood. These leg cramps could nevertheless be favored by certain factors:

• age ;
• tiredness, and particularly muscle fatigue;
• the dehydration ;
• certain nutritional deficiencies ;
• maintaining poor posture ;
• altitude ;
• physical effort, especially certain sports such as swimming;
• taking certain medications ;
• the pregnancy.

The causes of cramps? calf say secondary

Calf cramps are said to be secondary when they occur as a result of a condition of the body, such as:

• thevenous insufficiency ;
• metabolic myopathies ;
• neurodegenerative diseases, including Charcot’s disease and Parkinson’s disease;
• arteriopathies ;
• diabetes.

In the majority of cases, calf cramps are mild and go away on their own.

However, some cramps require medical advice:

• persistent cramps, or permanent ;
• diffuse cramps, or generalized cramps, when the cramp becomes generalized and affects many areas of the body;
• recurrent cramps, or repeated cramps.

Relieve an essential calf cramp

Benign and temporary, a calf cramp may be relieved by gently and gradually stretching the muscle. A calf massage can also be recommended to reduce muscle contraction.

Treating a secondary calf cramp

The treatment of a secondary calf cramp depends primarily on its cause. A medical consultation is necessary to establish the adequate treatment. In some cases, medical examinations may be necessary to further or confirm the diagnosis.

Depending on the diagnosis, medications, such as muscle relaxants, may be prescribed in particular. Wearing compression stockings may also be recommended in cases of venous insufficiency.

Prevent calf and leg cramps

Some preventive measures can prevent the onset or recurrence of a calf cramp:

• Drink water, sufficiently and regularly;
• Practice physical activity moderate intensity;
• Avoid maintaining bad postures ;
• Do not cross your legs in a sitting position;
• Adopt a healthy and balanced diet.

To find out more about cramps in the elderly, visit our article: www.passeportsante.net/fr/Actualites/Nouvelles/Fiche.aspx?doc=crampes-personnes-agees