Preventing Leg Cramps

Preventing leg cramps is not as hard as you might think. There is a lot of scientific research pointing towards dehydration, salt imbalance, and mineral deficiencies as probable causes. Leg muscle cramps during exercise occur when a fatigued muscle is stimulated without rest.

Consequently, the only real way of preventing leg cramps brought on by exercise is to make sure you have frequent rest periods. If your cramps are night leg cramps and not exercise-related, the best way to prevent them is a stretching routine that you perform every night before you go to bed. Staying warm is also key: extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can also bring on cramps.

Preventing Leg Cramps Everyday

There are simple things you can do everyday to banish leg cramps. Try to limit the amount of time you stand, walk, or run on concrete (runners will be familiar with another consequence of running on concrete--shinsplints). Also try to sit properly as much as you can; unusual leg positions (such as sitting with legs curled under the body) can restrict blood flow and generate leg cramps when you remove yourself from that position.

Persistent and severe leg cramps can also be a sign of a serious medical condition. If none of these everyday remedies or even mineral supplements can help you, see a doctor and ask to be tested for diabetes, thyroid disorders, or Parkinson's disease. Although leg cramps are not a common symptom for these problems, these diseases have been documented as being linked to frequent and persistent leg and/or foot cramps.