Muscle Cramps In Legs
The muscle in legs are made up of bundles of fibers that alternately contract and expend to effect movement. A cramp is a sudden, involuntary contraction (tightening) of one of these muscles, typically in calf. It can last anytime from a few seconds to several minutes. They can be mild, or intense enough to wake you out of a sound sleep. A sudden, painful muscle spasm in the leg is called a "Charley Horse", which legend has it is named after Baseball player Charlie ' Hoss' Radbourn, who suffered from frequent cramps back in 1880s. There is no certain cause for a cramp. Exercise is a common trigger, especially after you have exercised for a long period or in the heat. Muscles that are tired or dehydrated become irritated and are more likely to cramp up. A deficiency of electrolytes such as Magnesium or Potassium in the diet can lead to more frequent cramping, by preventing muscles from fully relaxation. The risk of a cramp increases during pregnancy, possibly due to