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Calf cramp treatment
A muscle cramp means that the muscle suddenly and involuntarily contracts, it tightens, and it hurts. A calf cramp is also called a tendon pull because the muscle pulls on the tendon. Calf cramps are common and although they are very painful and feel like the muscle is going to break, they are not dangerous.
Cramps can affect any muscle but cramps in the calf, foot and thigh are most common. Calf cramps are common at night or during physical activity but can also occur spontaneously during the day.
Causes of Cramp in the Calf
The cause of a cramp in the calf, or in another muscle when you have leg cramps, is not fully understood and several factors probably influence the sudden cramping of a muscle. One known cause is mineral imbalances such as magnesium and calcium deficiencies and also disturbances in the body’s salt and fluid, sodium and potassium balance. It is important to add water along with salts and minerals when you sweat a lot and work hard in intense heat. Vitamin deficiencies and deficiencies of certain fatty acids can also cause muscle cramps.
Some medicines, such as diuretics and cholesterol-lowering drugs, have muscle cramps as a side effect. Coffee and alcohol, which are diuretics, can also increase the risk of calf cramps.
Older people and pregnant women, but also athletes, are more likely to get cramps.
Cramp in the calf at night
Calf cramps at night are often caused by magnesium deficiency, which makes it difficult for the muscles to let go and relax. It often occurs in the evening/night after a hard workout. Coffee and alcohol deplete the body of magnesium and a high calcium intake also counteracts magnesium levels.
Lying down also reduces circulation in the legs and decreases metabolism, which can increase the risk of cramps.
Calf cramps during pregnancy
Pregnancy involves a hormonal change in the body. The hormonal change affects the fascia and thus also the muscles, which have to work harder and can more easily suffer from cramps, such as calf cramps.
Cramp in calf blood clot
A blood clot in the calf can be a serious condition requiring medical attention, whereas calf cramps rarely require medical attention.
With a blood clot in the calf, the skin often becomes warm and tender to the touch where the clot is located, usually under the back of the knee. The area also swells. The pain is more prolonged and often increases when you bend your foot upwards (stretching out your calf muscles) rather than decreasing as in a cramp. The risk of blood clots may increase when you are dehydrated.
Constant calf cramps – calf cramps that won’t go away
Calcium is needed for muscle fibers to contract and magnesium for them to relax. Magnesium deficiency or an imbalance between magnesium and calcium, as calcium counteracts magnesium, can cause cramps that do not go away.
What is calf cramp a symptom of?
Cramping in the calf is most likely a symptom of an imbalance in fluid and mineral content. It may be a symptom of some nutritional deficiency of minerals or vitamins, such as magnesium or the B vitamin complex.
Why do you get calf cramps?
If you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of fluids and salts, mainly sodium, which can cause cramps in the calf.
Mineral deficiencies, mainly magnesium, but also an imbalance between calcium and magnesium, as too much calcium lowers magnesium levels, can also cause cramps.
Vitamin deficiency, especially of B vitamins, as they are involved in the energy metabolism of muscle fibers.
Intense exercise that fatigues the muscles, especially when you are less well trained, can cause cramps both during exercise and at night. During exercise, you also lose a lot of fluid and also some salts due to sweating.
Drinking a lot of coffee, alcohol or taking certain medicines can increase the risk of cramps.
The risk of calf cramps increases with age (mineral deficiency, dehydration?), as does the risk when you are pregnant.
When and where should I seek treatment for calf cramps?
In the vast majority of cases, the cramp will go away quickly on its own, perhaps with some light stretching, and you will not need to seek treatment.
At a Fascia Clinic, you get help to relieve the muscles and fascia and get the body relaxed and in a better balance so that you do not overwork, for example, a calf. The flow in the fascia gets going and the supply of nutrients and cleansing of waste products improves. This can reduce problems with calf cramps.
If calf cramps recur very often over a long period of time, without any real cause, you should seek medical attention to try to find the underlying cause, such as nutritional deficiencies, mineral imbalances or hormone disorders.
How is calf cramp treated?
The treatment aims to get the body more evenly loaded and in better balance, as well as to get a good flow in the tissue and reduce stress. Relief of the fascia and muscles of the leg and gentle vibrations can reduce the risk of cramps.
Cramp in the calf – What can I do myself?
Drink enough water and make sure you get enough minerals and vitamins, especially magnesium and the B vitamin complex. Relax and relieve your legs after hard exercise, breathe deeply to increase oxygen intake and reduce stress.
Exercises for calf cramps
Stretch your calves for a few minutes after a vigorous exercise session. Strengthen your calf muscles with exercise so that they can cope better.
Cramp in the calf – frequently asked questions and answers
Why does my calf cramp and hurt afterwards?
You may have exercised more than your muscles can handle. At the same time, you may have a water and salt imbalance.
How to prevent calf cramps?
Drink plenty of water and take magnesium supplements. Avoid drinking a lot of coffee and alcohol. Replace fluid losses with water, fluid replacement, and eat cucumber.
Stretch the muscle after hard work.
