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Leg cramps are muscle spasms anywhere in the leg. They usually occur at night and can result in sudden, painful spasms.
If you are frequently bothered by leg cramps, check with your doctor to rule out medical conditions that may be causing the problem. Many different factors can promote cramping, including low blood levels of calcium, magnesium, or vitamin E. Circulation disorders, anemia (a low level of blood cells), and improper functioning of the thyroid gland can also cause leg cramps. Other causes include dehydration, heat stroke, inactivity, and strenuous exercise. Cramps can also occur for no apparent reason.

Here are a few tips that may help prevent leg cramps:

•Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Doctors recommend six to eight glasses everyday.
•Massage your muscles before going to bed.
•Stretch daily, before and after exercise.
•Maintain a well-balanced diet and eat foods high in calcium (such as milk and cheese), potassium (bananas and dates), and Vitamin E (spinach and sweet potatoes).

If you have a leg cramp, gently stretch and massage the muscle. You can apply a warm heating pad to the area to help calm the cramping muscle and reduce discomfort.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) and ibuprofen (>Motrin, >Advil) can help reduce the pain of leg cramps.

Some people try natural remedies such as Vitamin E, vitamin B6, magnesium, butcher’s broom, and MSM to prevent leg cramps. However, there is no convincing evidence that these supplements are effective for treating or preventing leg cramps.

In severe cases, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants to relieve leg cramps. People have used quinine sulfate to treat leg cramps. It is now available only by prescription. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) research showed that quinine sulfate is not effective for leg cramps. Quinine has also been associated with serious side effects such as temporary sight and hearing disturbances, dizziness, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Here is more information:


What is leg pain?

Leg pain is any type of pain or discomfort in the leg, from the hip joint to the heels. Leg pain is a fairly common complaint. Your legs are made up of joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels all of which are subject to injury, infection or other conditions that can cause leg pain.

Diabetic? Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet a sign of neuropathy

Leg pain may last briefly or be constant, and affect your entire leg or only a particular area. Your pain may feel achy, piercing or tingling. Pain-like sensations often described as pins-and-needles, prickling, or burning sensations are called paresthesias. Leg pain may be simply irritating and uncomfortable, or so debilitating that you cannot put weight on your leg or walk.

Leg pain can arise from a variety of conditions ranging from accidental trauma to nerve conditions. In the absence of trauma or other symptoms, leg pain is commonly caused by a muscle cramp, also called a “charley horse.” In some cases, leg pain can originate in another part of the body such as the back. This type of leg pain is called referred leg pain. If you are experiencing other symptoms along with your leg pain, be sure to tell your health care provider. This information will help your doctor determine a diagnosis.

Leg pain may also be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg), which is a serious and life-threatening condition. The blood clot in the leg can break loose and cause a pulmonary embolism in the lung, a heart attack, or even stroke. Seek immediate emergency medical care if you are experiencing leg pain after mild exercise or exertion, or if you are experiencing pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the calf.

Leg pain that originates in the lumbar area and travels down the buttocks, accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control, is a sign of a pinched nerve. This serious condition should be evaluated as soon as possible in an emergency medical setting. If your leg pain is persistent or causes you concern, contact a medical professional.
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SYMPTOMS
What other symptoms might occur with leg pain?

Leg pain may occur with other symptoms including:... Read more about leg pain symptoms

CAUSES
What causes leg pain?

Infectious diseases, blood circulation problems, and neurological conditions can affect the leg. However, most leg pain is due to overuse, injury, and age-related wear and tear on the muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments of the leg, including the hip, knee and ankle. Usually these conditions are not serious, and you can largely prevent and treat overuse and injury problems with self-care measures and lifestyle changes. For example, proper rest in between periods of exertion and abstaining from extreme sports without proper conditioning are two practical methods of avoiding leg trauma.... Read more about leg pain causes

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