Muscle cramps

A muscle cramp is felt when a muscle contracts with great intensity and does not stretch out sufficiently again. Many elderly people often experience leg cramps in the night. Children can experience muscle cramps and leg pain, but this is usually considered to be ‘growing pains’.

Contributing factors: an imbalance in the body’s levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium or Vitamin E, physical overexertion or strain, anaemia, the use of tobacco, hormone imbalances, allergies, arthritis, dehydration, heat stroke, hypothyroidism, drugs (e.g. anti-hypertensives) and varicose veins.

Who to consult: Dietician, GP, herbalist, naturopath, pharmacist, physiotherapist, physical therapist.

Tags: muscle, cramp, elderly, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin, strain, anaemia, tobacco, hormone