Leg cramps are not just a matter of calcium deficiency

Leg cramps, medically known as leg cramps, are characterized by sudden, violent, involuntary contractions of one or more groups of muscles in the legs. Although cramps only last a few minutes, muscle discomfort or tenderness can last for several hours after the attack. The most common clinical case is calf gastrocnemius cramps in the elderly, and they often occur when people are sleeping soundly at night. Continuous attacks will affect sleep and reduce the quality of life. It is generally believed that leg cramps are caused by calcium deficiency in the body, but this is not entirely true. The survey found that quite a number of elderly people still suffer from cramps after calcium supplementation.

Most of the nocturnal leg cramps seen clinically are idiopathic. It is mostly caused by poor circulation of meridians, qi and blood, or poor absorption. However, when you suffer from certain diseases, the probability of leg cramps increases, which is called secondary leg cramps, such as various muscle diseases, peripheral neuropathy, anemia, uremia, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, low magnesium, low calcium, low potassium, etc. In addition, taking certain medications such as hormones, morphine, cimetidine, blood pressure-lowering diuretics, nifedipine, cholesterol-lowering statins, psychiatric drugs such as lithium salts, etc. can also induce secondary leg cramps. Experts believe that in order to prevent leg cramps, the elderly should do the following in their daily lives:

1. Wear comfortable shoes.

Flat feet and other anatomy issues make some people particularly susceptible to leg cramps. The right shoes are one way to make up for it.

2. Loosen the bedding.

Many people like to cover themselves tightly with the quilt when they sleep, especially when lying on their backs. The quilt may press on the feet, which will make the gastrocnemius and plantar muscles tense and easily cause cramps. Just loosen the bedding a little.

3. Stretch your muscles.

Stretching your gastrocnemius and foot muscles before bed can help prevent cramps in the first place. You can also place the front of your foot on the first step of the stairs and slowly press your heel down so that your heel is lower than the step.

4. Press and massage the acupoints.

Massage Shangqiu point (on the inner side of the foot, in the depression below the front of the inner ankle) and Diji point (on the inner side of the calf, about 5 inches below the knee, on the inner and posterior edge of the tibia) for 3 to 5 minutes each morning and evening for 3 to 5 days. It can strengthen the spleen, promote absorption, dredge the meridians and promote digestion, and help prevent and treat leg cramps.

5. Pay attention to your lifestyle.

Avoid drinking alcohol, coffee, cola and other beverages that have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system before going to bed. Do not read books that have a refreshing effect, do not watch stimulating movies or TV shows, and avoid emotional excitement.