Calf cramps are a condition that annoys mainly athletes and pregnant women. The causes of cramps are most often looked for in the deficiency of mineral elements or the abuse of caffeine. However, in some cases they may indicate developing diseases, e.g. varicose veins or diabetes. What do calf cramps show and what diseases do they indicate?

Calf crampsare caused by changes in the length and tone of the calf muscles. Due to the clamping of the fibers, the gastrocnemius or sagittal muscle of the calf becomes hard, which results in a painful contraction. What are thereasons forthis state?

Calf cramps: mineral deficiency

Calf cramps may result from a deficiency of electrolytes important for the body: sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium ions. Magnesium supports nerve conduction, potassium maintains the proper functioning of the neuromuscular system, and calcium prevents bone thinning. The reason for their deficiency is usually a poor diet.

Calf cramps: excess coffee

Consuming large amounts of coffee, as well as energy drinks, results in "rinsing" of macronutrients (including magnesium and potassium) from the body and disturbs its acid-base balance. Alcohol abuse can have similar effects.

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Calf cramps: diuretics, laxatives and slimming pills

Diuretics and laxatives are among the substances that promote electrolyte loss. In turn, drugs that intensify contractions are, for example, agents with digitalis extract, atropine or adrenaline. Painful calf cramps may appear in people who regularly take weight loss measures.

Calf cramps: overtraining

Too intense and prolonged physical exertion may lead to chronic fatigue syndrome, i.e. overtraining.

In the body, there are many changes in the secretion of hormones important for it.

The secretion of, among others, adrenaline, growth hormone, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol and antidiuretic hormone (insulin secretion is inhibited).

These hormones take part in the regulation of exercise metabolism and the water and electrolyte balance. If their level for a long time is toohigh, there may be not only a sudden stiffness of the calf muscles, but also a reduction in the efficiency of the entire body.

Calf cramps: trauma

Any injuries in the form of hitting a muscle or straining it, such as by lifting a heavy load, may cause the calf muscles to stretch, which may result in a cramp.

Calf cramps: prolonged stress

Stress stimulates the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline - a hormone that stimulates the work of many organs and raises blood sugar so that the body can be active. However, the permanent "throwing" of adrenaline into the blood causes stress in the body, which is manifested by neuralgia, loss of energy, as well as pain and muscle cramps.

Calf cramps: overheating

The body may react by cramping the calves to excessive overheating, e.g. after a stay at the beach, in the solarium or after leaving a hot bath. Then it is necessary to cool down the body as quickly as possible.

Calf cramps: sedentary lifestyle

Sitting for a long time in the same position can lead to painful cramps, especially if you cross your leg frequently (pressure causes less blood to the muscles).

Calf cramps: dehydration

Diarrhea, vomiting and fever in the course of many diseases can contribute to the disturbance of the body's water and electrolyte balance and dehydration (if the fluids are not replenished regularly).

What diseases might calf cramps indicate?

  • Diabetes

Diabetes can damage, among others, arterial vessels in the legs, and consequently lead to insufficient blood supply to the limbs. These disturbances can result in problems with normal sensation, numbness in the limbs and calf cramps.

  • Hypertension

Hypertension, like diabetes, can lead to insufficient blood supply to the limbs and disrupt their innervation, which is often manifested by cramps.

  • Varicose veins

Frequent calf cramps, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the legs and their swelling, especially at the end of the day, may be the first symptom of varicose veins. Calf cramps, caused by circulatory disorders, can also occur in thromboembolic arteritis and phlebitis.

Important

Very severe, persistent pain in the calf may be a sign of a blood clot forming. If you ever experience this kind of pain, see your doctor just in case.

  • Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process that causes the arteries to contract and reduce the amount of blood flowing through them. The resultMalnutrition and muscle hypoxia are frequent calf cramps.

  • Neurological problems

Neurological problems can cause involuntary contractions not only of the calf muscles, but also of the muscles of the entire body. An example is dystonia, a neuromuscular disease in which single muscles occur periodically or continuously, involuntarily, causing uncontrolled movements.

Pregnant calf cramps

Tiring and painful calf cramps are a common ailment that women complain about in the third trimester of pregnancy. There are many different reasons why the calf muscles cramp during pregnancy. The most frequently mentioned are electrolyte disturbances in the pregnant body (the demand for magnesium increases then), pressure of the uterus on the nerves of the pelvic walls or disturbances in the drainage of blood from the legs, e.g. due to prolonged standing or sitting. To avoid this, it is worth taking care of a diet rich in appropriate mineral elements during pregnancy.

CHECK>>Calf cramps in pregnancy - how to deal with them?

Calf cramps at night

Calf cramps at night are most often the result of keeping the legs bent. Night cramps may result from too intense physical exertion combined with dehydration of the body. A physical effort lasting several hours, especially in frost or heat (e.g. a full-day mountain trip or skiing for several hours), leads to increased loss of water from the body. The overworked or overheated muscles then contract uncontrollably, causing cramps and pain.

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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