7 Reasons For Thigh Cramps
Pain in the leg or thigh cramps are usually due to over exercise but there are many other reasons for these types of pains. Cramps happen when the muscles contract and they can be very painful. Cramp pain can worsen if the area is exposed to cold air. Most thigh cramps can be easily taken care of by just resting the legs. But if someone has thigh cramps for a long period of time, this can be a sign of something more serious.
One of the most common reasons for thigh cramps is over exercise. This can make muscles ache for days and because of the strain on the muscle area severe cramps can also occur. This usually happens to people who are just starting an exercise program and do not yet know that they have limitations. When a person begins to exercise, it is normal to be a bit sore after exercising. But strains and even injuries can occur by exercising too much.
Pregnant women who have gained weight can suffer with thigh cramps. They can also have hormonal changes within the body that can contribute to the pain in the leg area. This can cause swelling in the ankles and feet along with cramping. Usually this condition goes away when the baby is delivered.
People who have circulatory system problems can also have pain in the legs. This is because there is a lack of blood flow in one or more of the arteries. The arteries carry blood to vital organs and throughout the body but if blood flow is interrupted to any area, pain follows. This is especially true for people who suffer from peripheral artery disease.
When a person has a blood clot in the leg, they can have the same types of pain as a person suffering from circulatory problems. This is called a thrombosis and it can occur in the pelvis, lower legs and thighs. The blood clot in the deep vein can block blood circulation and it can cause swelling, pain and the leg came also become red and hot. The most dangerous thing about this condition is when the blood clot breaks away and enters the blood stream blocking other blood vessels. If the blood clot blocks the pulmonary arteries in the lung, breathing becomes almost impossible and this can be fatal.
Restless leg syndrome is a condition that happens when a person is resting or about to go to sleep. The body may be fatigued and ready for rest but the legs are not. A person suffering with restless leg syndrome can have urges to get up and walk or to move the legs. Insomnia can happen with this condition as well as painful thigh cramps. There is no known cause for this syndrome but tobacco, alcohol and caffeine can worsen the symptoms.
Dehydration is another problem that can contribute to thigh cramps. This also happens from too much excessive activity and exercise and the water in the body it not replenished. The other symptoms of this condition are extreme thirst and a rapid heart beat. A sufferer may become cold to the touch and they can also become dizzy and lightheaded. Mild to moderate dehydration can be corrected by drinking more fluids. Severe dehydration is considered dangerous and intravenous fluids must be given to the sufferer immediately.
An injury can cause pain and cramping in the legs and thighs. For example, an injury such as a sharp blow to the thigh can cause bruising and swelling. If the injured muscle contracts, severe pain can be felt until the cramping stops. These types of muscle injuries can be helped by using a hot or cold compress.