Calf cramps - causes, treatment & tips for prevention

Calf cramps are often caused by magnesium deficiency or overexertion - find out how you can avoid them with minerals, stretching & fluids.

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Wissenswertes über "Calf cramps"

Calf cramps are sudden, painful cramps in the calf muscles that usually occur at night or after physical exertion.

Cramps in the calves are caused by an involuntary hardening of the muscles, which is slow to release. The causes can be varied, with fluid and electrolyte disorders often playing a role. Magnesium deficiency is one of the most common causes, as magnesium is important for muscle relaxation. A lack of potassium, calcium or sodium can also increase the risk of cramps. Other possible causes are a lack of fluids, muscle overload, circulatory disorders or nerve diseases.

For prevention and treatment, it is important to consume sufficient fluids and ensure a balanced diet with sufficient minerals. In particular, magnesium, potassium and calcium can help to relax the muscles and prevent cramps. Regular stretching of the calf muscles, moderate exercise and warm baths can also have a preventative effect. In acute cases, it helps to stretch the calf, for example by pulling the foot upwards or stepping on it and shifting the weight forwards. If calf cramps occur very frequently or without any recognisable cause, a medical examination should be carried out to rule out possible underlying illnesses.