Learn What Causes Leg Cramps

Leg cramps, also known as night leg cramps, are fairly common and occur mostly at night. Leg cramps are characterised by a sudden movement in the leg muscles, causing painful, involuntary contractions to occur. They can last from a few seconds up to a few minutes. Low levels of certain minerals such as electrolytes and some medications, have also been cited as a cause of leg cramps. Some people suffer from chronic leg cramps and unfortunately, there is no definite cure at this stage. These people can take Crampeze long term to help combat these cramps.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of a muscle cramp include:
• Sudden uncontrollable and painful spasms in the muscle
• Muscle twitching
• Excruciating deep muscle pain in the calf
• Tightness of the calf and hardening of the muscle
A cramp can reoccur several times before it goes away. Cramps are common at night and generally
occur in the calf muscles and feet.

WHAT CAUSES LEG CRAMPS

The exact cause of muscle cramps is not known, but there are some risk factors that include:

LIFESTYLE TIPS TO REDUCE CRAMPS

There are some suggested tips to help alleviate night time leg cramps that can be incorporated into
your daily routine:
• Drink plenty of water during the day
• Daily calf stretches
• Trying not to sit with your legs crossed
• Take a warm bath before going to bed
• Indulge in regular massages
• Modify diet to include more potassium & magnesium based foods

FOODS RICH IN MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is absorbed by the body through a diverse range of foods in our diet. Each food product has a varied concentration of Magnesium in it, and thus it is important to maximise your daily intake by including magnesium-rich foods in your diet. This can include:
• Leafy green vegetables such as spinach
• Nuts and Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, pine nuts, peanuts, pecans and walnuts
• Fish: Mackerel
• Beans and Lentils: Soy beans, white beans, french beans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, pinto beans
• Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, wheat germ, buckwheat, millet, whole wheat pasta, barley and oats
• Dried Fruit: Figs, prunes, apricots, dates, and raisins
• Others: Avocados, bananas, dark chocolate, seaweeds and tofu

CRAMP FACTS

• Leg cramps are reported in up to 60% of adults and 7% of children. Up to 20% of people have symptoms every day1
• About 1 in 3 people over the age of 60, and about half of people over the age of 80, experience regular leg cramps2
• Approximately 50% of those over 55 suffer nocturnal leg cramping, significantly more people experiencing nocturnal leg pain3
• 40% of people who suffer from leg cramps have cramps at least three times per week4

References:
Allen RE, Kirby KA. Nocturnal leg cramps. Am Fam Physician 2012;86:350–5. [PubMed] http://www.patient.co.uk/health/cramps-in-the-leg
http://www.backinmotion.com.au/news/article/how-to-combat-night-pains-and-cramps Adrian Quinn – Physiotherapist and Director, Back In Motion
Camberwell How to combat night pains and cramps Published: 19 March 2014
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180160.php by Christian Nordqvist

CRAMPEZE – 30/60/120 CAPSULES
Crampeze: Ideal for chronic cramp sufferers and long term use

CRAMPEZE FORTE – 30/60 TABLETS
Crampeze Forte: Suitable for intermittent cramp sufferers, sport related cramping and ideal for those starting treatment