Leg cramps are caused by a number of different factors.  It’s hard to pinpoint the causes of each individual cramp.  It depends on one’s daily routine, weight, age, and health.

Some causes include muscle fatigue due to overexertion, rigorous exercise, dehydration, excess weight, diminished blood supply and even nerve and muscle diseases.

There are a lot of things that can be done to alleviate leg cramps other than rushing to see a doctor.  Not to say that a doctor might be in your best interest, but if you are experiencing minor leg cramping, you may want to try a few of the following home remedies before going the route of an appointment at a doctor’s office.

Relieve Leg Cramps

• Massage the muscles in your legs.

• Stretch your muscles slowly. You typically do this before you exercise anyway. 

• Try taking a hot shower.  The heat of the water can reduce the cramping in the legs.

• Increase water consumption to stay well hydrated throughout the day.

• Use a warm towel or heating pad to alleviate pain or tenderness following a cramp.

• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, because dehydration causes leg cramps.

• Stretching prior to starting your exercise routine is extremely important.

• Riding a stationary bicycle for a few minutes before bedtime could prevent cramps from developing during the night.

These are but a few suggestions to help you from getting painful leg cramps.  If you try some of these suggestions you may find that your leg pain will subside altogether and you will never have to experience it again. 

Good luck.