I occasionally suffer from minor leg cramps, or what I refer to as a “charley horse.” They usually occur after running or vigorous exercise, and sometimes during rainy weather. I have always wondered what causes these painful muscle cramps and what I can do about them.
I discovered that the exact cause of a leg cramp is not always known, but there are some factors that are thought to contribute to this condition, including muscle fatigue, heavy exercising, dehydration, high weight, and electrolyte imbalance.
So what can leg cramp sufferers do? It is important when exercising to stay hydrated, stretch (especially post-workout) and gradually build up an exercise regimen. Sudden changes in physical activities can cause leg cramps.
There are also some natural compounds available that may help soothe minor and occasional leg and back cramps. Quinine, the ground bark of the cinchona tree, has been used by the Quechua Indians of Peru for thousands of years for such purposes. However, if your cramps are constant or severe, it’s worth getting them checked by a doctor.