what does it mean when you get cramps on your calves?
9173
Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp. In many cases, however, the cause isn't known. Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as: Inadequate blood supply.
212089
If high blood pressure is left untreated for a long time, it can put extra strain on the arteries in your arms and legs and may cause the blood vessels in the legs to narrow, causing painful cramps.
137321
In most cases, nocturnal leg cramps are idiopathic, which means their exact cause isn't known. Nighttime leg cramps may be related to foot position. We often sleep with our feet and toes extending away from the rest of our bodies, a position called plantar flexion.
336841
During the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman may experience cramps in her legs and feet. According to Clearblue, this is caused by a change in the way in which the body is processing calcium.
589446
Elite athletes experience cramping due to paces at higher intensities. The cause of exercise-associated muscle cramps is hypothesized to be due to altered neuromuscular control, dehydration, or electrolyte depletion.
1257144
Claudication is a common condition where pain occurs in the legs with exercise due to a reduction in the circulation. The cause is hardening of the arteries otherwise known as atherosclerosis. The common symptom is of a cramp like pain developing in the calf muscles on walking.
450261
Sometimes, exertion or fatigue can cause muscle spasms. However, if there is not an obvious cause, you should see a neurological doctor for muscle spasms and cramps.
219212
Your body becomes dehydrated when you're not getting enough water for your organs and tissues to function properly. Because being dehydrated means your muscles aren't getting the water they need, they begin to malfunction, which causes the pain and spasms associated with cramping.
60729
Cramps and aches Aches and pains during pregnancy are common, as are muscle cramps in your feet, thighs or legs. The exact reason for this is not known, although it is suspected that the expansion of the uterus may put pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the leg, causing leg cramps and some occasional pain.
778708
A sustained muscle spasm is called a muscle cramp. Leg muscles, especially the quadriceps (thigh), hamstrings (back of thigh), and gastrocnemius (calves), are most likely to cramp, but any skeletal muscle in the body can cramp. A “charley horse” is another name for a muscle cramp.
1428447
The Causes Toe cramps have various triggers, but overuse, dehydration, and mineral deficiencies (particularly, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) are some of the most common culprits, according to Kim. When you exercise, you sweat out the minerals your muscles need.
351876
['Painful cramping in one or both of your hips, thighs or calf muscles after certain activities, such as walking or climbing stairs (claudication)', 'Leg numbness or weakness.', 'Coldness in your lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other side.', "Sores on your toes, feet or legs that won't heal."]
190268
cramp will often occur in both legs or at least in more than one area; as opposed to a blood clot, symptoms of which will most typically be concentrated in one leg. cramp and pulled muscles will cause pain but not necessarily hot skin or redness in the affected area.
550801
Leg cramps may be caused by the additional weight gain of pregnancy and changes in your circulation. Pressure from the growing baby may also be placed on the nerves and blood vessels that go to your legs. This pressure or pinching may be the cause of your leg cramps.
590846
["Too-tight shoes. If your feet are cramping, it's possible that your shoes could be too tight. ... ", 'Dehydration. Being dehydrated can cause your feet (and other muscles) to cramp. ... ', 'Overexertion. ... ', 'Low levels of potassium. ... ', 'Nerve damage. ... ', 'Medications.']
126076
Calf pain is often caused by excessive strain based on too much training, the running distance being increased too quickly, or a change of running style. Possible results are aching muscles, hardening of the calves, cramps, and pulled muscles.
121953
Sudden activity and overuse are two leading causes of pain behind the knee due to a calf or hamstring strain or cramp, according to Dr. Tanaka. Movements that require pushing off or severe knee bending cause this calf and hamstring pain, respectively.