Many people over the course of their lives often face muscle cramps, and a large proportion of this account for the spasms of the calf muscles. Typically, this phenomenon occurs suddenly during sleep at night or during physical activity, as well as with a sudden change in ambient temperature (for example, when immersed in cold water).
There is a seizure of this localization with considerable tension in the calf muscle zone (posterior surface of the leg), accompanied by pain, often very intense. Unpleasant condition in most cases passes independently in a few minutes or even seconds, while after a spasm, the calf muscle still hurts for a while. With what the cramps of the gastrocnemius are connected, and what treatment may be required in this case, let us consider further.
Causes of gastrocnemius muscle cramps
Factors that provoke the occurrence of seizures in the calves of the legs, a lot. Here are the main of them:
- violation of water-electrolyte balance in the body;
- lack of certain vitamins and microelements in the body;
- endocrine disorders;
- neurological diseases;
- pathology of the heart and vessels (most often - varicose veins );
- taking certain medications (for example, hormones, drugs for lowering blood pressure, statins, etc.).
Treatment of gastrocnemius muscle spasms
If cramps occur very rarely, usually no treatment is required. To eliminate the attack, it is recommended only to carry out an easy massage of the muscle, stretch the muscle, straighten the leg and pulling the toe as much as possible. If gastrocnemius muscle cramps are often a phenomenon, you should always consult a doctor who will help determine their cause and prescribe a treatment regimen.
For the treatment of pathology, physiotherapeutic procedures can be used:
- electrotherapy;
- shock wave therapy ;
- electrophoresis;
- phonophoresis;
- ozonotherapy, etc.
Also often prescribed therapeutic exercise, massage, wearing compression linen. A rational diet is recommended, a rejection of bad habits. For the treatment of gastrocnemius muscle cramps, various medications can be used - from ointments and creams to tablets and injectable medications, the action of which is aimed at improving nerve conduction and blood circulation in gastrocnemius muscles, restoring the electrolyte balance.