Seniors World : Senior Products – Senior Gifts

In their mid sixties people often complain of experiencing frequent cramps in lower legs, mostly at night. People most prone to night leg cramps are older, have a family history of night leg cramping and have poor stretching habits. Studies show that about 70% of adults older than 50 experience nocturnal leg cramps or night leg cramps. As people age, night leg cramps become fairly common and lead to reduced activity, or muscle fatigue as the muscles don’t get enough blood supply. Getting moderate regular activity during the day, or stretching the muscles before bedtime, reduces the likelihood of night leg cramps. Wall pushups stretch the calf muscles of the leg and prevent night leg cramps.

The possible reasons for night leg cramps/night foot cramps are: poor circulation, lack of enough salt, dehydration, abnormal mineral or hormone levels, pinched nerves, alcohol or tobacco use, partially-obstructed blood flow to legs, nutritional deficiency, and environmental toxicity.

Dehydration is one common cause of night leg cramps or an electrolyte imbalance. Night leg cramps also occur in the muscles at work due to fatigue. Potassium and calcium intake are another factor leading to night leg cramps.

The cause of night leg cramps most likely involves hyperactivity of the nerve-muscle reflex arc as in the prolonged sitting; poor or abnormal posture or inefficient biomechanics are related to poor flexibility and predispose these reflexes to malfunctioning causing night leg cramps.

Age, increased body weight and improper footwear also aggravate the night leg cramps. Eccentric muscle contraction and other musculoskeletal injuries can contribute to night leg cramps.

Some prescription drugs can cause night leg cramping; Diuretics taken for high blood pressure or heart disorders cause an imbalance of potassium and magnesium levels leading to night leg cramps.

If one is postmenopausal, trying to lose weight, or do not consume enough calcium, one is vulnerable to developing night leg cramps.

Nocturnal leg cramps/night leg cramps:

These night leg cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of the calf muscles that occur during the night or while at rest. Occasionally, muscles in the soles of the feet also become cramped. The sensation can last a few seconds or up to 10 minutes, but the soreness may linger. The night leg cramps can affect persons in any age-group, but they tend to occur in the middle-aged and the older populations.

Prevent of night leg cramps:

• Alcohol or caffeine dehydrates the body. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration
• Stretch calves regularly throughout the day and at night
• Ride a stationary bicycle for a few minutes before bedtime to help prevent cramps from developing during the night
• Aquatic exercises help stretch and condition your muscles
• Rest feet on pillows while in bed
• Wear shoes that are comfortable
• Increase your calcium consumption: take a calcium supplement at bedtime
• Sugar and caffeine prevent the absorption of vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium: Eliminate as much sugar and caffeine from your diets as possible
• Take Potassium, Iron, Magnesium: Vitamins A, B-complex, E, folic acid and L-tryptophan daily
• Eat plenty of potassium rich foods like the bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, oranges, and grapefruit
• Prevent electrolyte imbalance by eating dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli and kale, the good sources of both calcium and magnesium, and drink calcium-fortified orange juice
• Eat good food sources of calcium: Low-fat dairy products and sardines with bones
• Consume good sources of magnesium: Nuts, beans and whole grains
• Accupressure: A cramp is an involuntary contraction and muscle is shortened. Ease the muscle back to its original length through massage to gradually stretch it out to lengthen it
• Continue to stretch the cramped muscle with a good massage in the bath to reduce the soreness

Shiatsu Leg Massager
The Relief That Your Legs Crave

Shiatsu leg massager gives you the relief that your legs crave during the night leg cramping.

This shiatsu leg massager provides deep penetration into the leg and foot muscles to help relieve tension and improve circulation. Enjoy one of three different variations of massage; vibration, reflexology roller or deep kneading, all in one machine. Sit back, relax and let shiatsu style leg massager do the work through its reflexology rollers while it massages the arches, heels and balls of your feet with its powerful massaging motor and strong kneading action to penetrate deep into the muscles. Shiatsu style leg massager comes with 3 kneading massage programs and 3 vibration speeds to relieve you of you night leg cramps. You can be tilt shiatsu style leg massager backward for use while lying on your back while it works to turn your night leg cramps into history. Reach out for the control panel on top of unit for easily. Take shiatsu style leg massager wherever you go with the help of its side carry handles designed for its easy for mobility.