Leg Cramps

Leg cramps - also known as night cramps or Charley Horse - are painful spasms that typically occur in the calf muscles.

Leg cramps tend to jolt a person awake in the middle of the night, but can also strike in the daytime during physical activities such as running and cycling.

Fitness can put strain on your leg muscles. Some leg muscle cramps - which can last anywhere from a few seconds to up to 10 minutes - may also be the result of a sedentary lifestyle.

You may prevent or alleviate muscle cramps in your legs by making simple lifestyle changes. Drinking plenty of water is essential, since cramps are often caused by dehydration. A healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can also help to decrease the frequency of leg cramps.

Additionally, certain vitamins and minerals impact muscle function, particularly potassium and magnesium.

A significant body of research has found that increasing your magnesium intake can help with the frequency of night time leg cramps, especially for pregnant women. Health experts recommend getting at least 300 milligrams of magnesium each day.

Potassium helps maintain normal cell function in the body, particularly in the nerves and muscles. If a person has a severe potassium deficiency, they may experience symptoms such as leg cramps.