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Alternative health advice on leg cramps

Have problems with legs cramping when I walk, I'm 38 and it's been doing its since I was 17. Any suggestions what I can do, been told I have compartment syndrome
(10 Oct 2007)

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Health advice on leg cramps 

You have not mentioned whether compartment syndrome is also something that you have had since you were 17. But in any case, the leg cramps are probably not be related to compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a condition in which nerves and blood vessels are compressed, obstructing blood flow and causing nerve and muscle damage. This is usually due to an injury, and the result will be severe pain when the affected muscle is used, as well as some weakness and numbness. Assuming that your leg (or legs) is affected by compartment syndrome, you would experience pain and weakness when you walk, rather than cramps.

The reason for your muscle cramps is probably that you do not drink enough water before or while you walk. You should be drinking around ten liters of water a day, and probably more if you walk a lot. Another possible cause of cramps is a mineral deficiency, most probably potassium, but even magnesium and calcium. Orange juice is a good source of potassium, while flaxseed is a great source of magnesium and has several other benefits. Ask your doctor whether you may need mineral supplements, and if so, whether he has any suggestions. One obvious but sometimes overlooked point is that you should stretch your muscles before you use them for any strenuous activity. See if this helps. 

answered by M W on 3 Mar 2008, 4:13:19

 

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