What causes leg cramps in children?

Many children often tell their parents that they cannot walk when they are walking. When asking the reason, they find out that they have leg cramps. Every parent has a different understanding of the symptoms of leg cramps. Some people think that this is something children must experience in the process of growing up, and it will be fine if they move more. However, leg cramps are not that simple and the cause must be found out.

What causes leg cramps in children?

Leg cramps are spasms of muscles or muscle groups caused by abnormal neuromuscular excitation. At this time, the stretching intensity of the muscles is significantly greater than the stretching intensity of normal muscle contraction, so there will be some soreness and severe pain when the leg cramps. Generally, the attack can last for several seconds or tens of seconds and may be related to the following reasons:

1. Fatigue. Excessive exercise or excessive force during the day causes some fatigue. The muscle tension at night is not improved, and excessive metabolic substances are not metabolized in time. Its stimulation can cause leg cramps.

2. Cold. Cold feet and legs during sleep at night can cause muscle cramps in the feet.

3. Hypocalcemia. When hypocalcemia occurs, the excitation value of the neuromuscular junction will decrease. The stimulation intensity lower than normal can cause neuromuscular excitement, which can easily produce abnormal contraction and cause symptoms of leg cramps and pain.

1. Insufficient minerals in the diet, such as magnesium and calcium, will also increase the chance of leg cramps. Therefore, eating more foods containing magnesium and calcium will help improve the situation, such as red beans, whole wheat products, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, seafood and other foods.

2. Avoid eating raw or cold food for a long time.

3. If you are prone to cramps at night, do stretching exercises on the cramp-prone areas before going to bed.

4. Keep your calves warm when sleeping. You can put on more clothes to keep your hands and feet warm.

5. Soak your feet in hot water before going to bed. On the one hand, it can invigorate blood circulation and nourish tendons. On the other hand, it can dispel cold and disperse congestion, which has a certain preventive effect on cramps.

6. Excessive drooping of the foot (drooping toward the sole of the foot) may induce calf cramps. Avoid letting your foot hang down too much while you sleep.

7. There are reports in the literature that vitamin E can reduce the number of attacks, but there is no definitive answer yet.