Leg cramps despite magnesium – what is the reason for this?
In fact, magnesium deficiency is often an obvious cause of nighttime leg cramps. Because magnesium is very important for the complex interplay of muscles: It ensures that the muscles can relax again after tension. If there is not enough magnesium in the body, its counterpart calcium causes the muscles to contract involuntarily – a spasm begins.
If you are well supplied with magnesium, but still suffer frequently from calf cramps, this can have various causes – For example, despite magnesium, calf cramps can be a sign of various diseases.
Other mineral deficiency as the cause
It is not only magnesium that is important to support the muscles. Minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium are also among the electrolytes that the body needs. If we are undersupplied, the muscle function is disturbed – which can be noticeable among other things through muscle cramps.
So if you know that you are taking in enough magnesium (for example, women over 25 should take in 300 milligrams a day), you should have a test checked by a doctor, whether another mineral deficiency is the cause of the calf cramps. If there is a certain deficiency, this can often be remedied by a more balanced diet.
Medications that cause leg cramps
If leg cramps occur despite a sufficient supply of magnesium, it is worth taking a look at the package insert for various medications. Some medications promote muscle cramps – corresponding information can be found in the section on side effects. Among other things, the following medications can cause leg cramps:
- Antihypertensives (so-called ACE inhibitors)
- Diuretics (diuretics)
- laxative
If symptoms can be attributed to such a preparation, those affected should speak to the doctor about whether there are alternative means.
Leg cramps despite magnesium: when illnesses are to blame
If the symptoms do not come from a magnesium deficiency, various diseases should be excluded as a possible cause. For example, muscle-related illnesses could promote cramps. The following diseases are possible causes:
- Neurological disorders: The signals of certain nerves are necessary to control the muscles. If there is a neurological disorder such as nerve paralysis or a herniated disc, this can promote leg cramps.
- Muscle disorders ("myopathies"): Many muscle diseases, which can often be attributed to genetic factors, also result in muscle weakness. Especially nighttime leg cramps occur despite sufficient magnesium.
- Diabetes: Patients with diabetes often have a generally low magnesium level. There are two reasons for this: on the one hand, they excrete more magnesium through the urine, and on the other hand they often have to avoid carbohydrate-rich foods that contain a lot of magnesium. People with diabetes should talk to their doctor about how to keep their magnesium balance in balance.
- Underactive parathyroid gland: A hormone is formed in the parathyroid gland, which affects the calcium level in the body. If the parathyroid gland is underactive, the calcium level drops – which can cause cramps that can last for several hours.
- Kidney disease: Among other things, the kidney is responsible for the fluid regulation of the body. With kidney disease, it can happen that more and more important minerals are excreted in the urine, resulting in a continuous deficiency.
- Circulatory disorders: General circulatory disorders can also ensure that the muscles can no longer work properly. Due to the lack of blood circulation, the muscles contract more quickly and contract.
Leg cramps due to overworked muscles
Athletes suffer comparatively frequently from calf cramps. There are several reasons for this. Competitive athletes in particular often tend to treat themselves and their muscles to too few rest periods between training sessions. The muscles are under constant tension and is more prone to cramp. If you train a lot, you also excrete more magnesium through excessive sweating and can fall into a magnesium deficiency.
Calf cramps due to under-stressed muscles
The opposite of the previous point is also possible: If you do not move or do not move enough in everyday life, you not only lose muscle, but must also expect the muscles to react with cramps with every sudden effort.
Muscle cramps in pregnancy
During pregnancy, the risk of muscle cramps increases, especially in the calves. Pregnant women have a significantly increased need for minerals, this also includes magnesium. If this need is not met, calf cramps are more likely, especially at night. As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus can also press different nerve pathways – this can also cause cramps.
Drug and alcohol abuse encourage leg cramps
The abuse of drugs and alcohol has many harmful effects on the body. This can also damage the muscles. In addition to cramps, uncontrollable muscle twitching can also occur and / or tingling or numbness.
What can I do if my leg cramps appear despite magnesium?
If only occasional cramps occur, this is not directly a cause for alarm. If muscle or calf cramps occur regularly, a doctor should research possible causes and treat them. If, for example, an underlying disease is considered, it must first be treated. The following measures also help prevent cramps:
- Eat a balanced diet, d. H. eat lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as fish, high-fiber foods (e.g. whole grains), lean meat and a few dairy products.
- Regular sport, often it is enough to cycle or swim 30 times three times a week.
- Prevent mineral deficiency, where among other things the healthy nutrition helps. Pregnant women in particular should take care to meet their increased needs.
- Replace medication with other drugs if muscle cramps are a side effect.
- Stop alcohol and drug abuse.
- Perform daily loosening exercises to keep the muscles relaxed.
- Improve blood circulation, for example with alternating showers or gentle massages.
Reading tips: Here you will learn everything about muscle cramps and calf cramps at night. We also explain how you can promote your blood circulation.
If you want to share health issues, have a look at our BRIGITTE community!