Cramps despite taking magnesium - what can I do?
Introduction - cramps despite magnesium
Fighting is generally understood to be the temporary, usually painful, contraction of muscles. One of the most common reasons for convulsions is magnesium deficiency. If the cramps occur despite the intake of magnesium, there can be many different causes: Muscle cramps are divided into three different models:
Firstly, paraphysiological cramps after overexertion and are usually the result of a derailment of the electrolyte balance. Electrolytes are ions and cations such as chlorine, calcium and magnesium that the body needs to control its nerve pathways and muscle activities.
Second, a distinction is made between symptomatic convulsions as a result of an internal or neurological underlying disease and so-called idiopathic convulsions, for which there is no identifiable cause.
root cause
If the cause is not a derailment of the electrolyte balance, or if the cramps occur even without pregnancy or previous physical exertion, a neurological or internal problem must always be taken into account. Then one speaks of symptomatic cramps, i.e. cramps that manifest themselves as a symptom of an underlying neurological or internal disease.
Read more on the topic: Causes of cramps
Intrinsically
In addition to muscular problems, cramps can also have intrinsic (internal) reasons. These can be, for example, arterial or venous circulatory disorders, but also polyneuropathy or so-called hyperparathyroidism. In the latter there is an overactive parathyroid tissue. This then produces a certain hormone, the "parathyroid hormone", in too large quantities.
As a result, more calcium is broken down from the bone tissue, which on the one hand causes the calcium level in the blood to skyrocket and on the other hand makes the bone porous. The calcium also damages the kidneys, which cannot cope with the sudden oversupply.
As a side effect, there are also muscle cramps, since the calcium level plays a role in the excitability of the muscles. An oversupply of calcium always leads to a malfunction of the muscles. A not so insignificant problem when you consider that the heart is also a muscle.
Neurological
In everyday life, however, there are cramps in the calves, feet and fingers. Another cause of a neurological nature can be polyneuropathies. This is the name given to diseases of the nervous system in which nerves perish. There are a number of polyneuropathies, the best known of which is diabetes, but alcoholism is also a cause.
Alcoholism in particular leads to leg cramps, loss of sensitivity and uncontrolled cramps in the feet. In principle, one should always pay attention if the cramps are accompanied by a loss of sensitivity in the affected area. Typical of a polyneuropathy is the loss of both motor and sensory nerves.
Anyone who is diabetic themselves or knows a diabetic at an advanced stage knows that the disease is relatively painless, although the legs often look very sore. The cause is the loss of sensitivity described above, as a result of which the pain from the calves and feet is no longer passed on to the brain.
During pregnancy
But women also often complain of cramps during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the body is in a state of emergency in many ways. Not only does a second organism have to be supplied, which leads to shifts in the electrolyte balance.
The body also stores more water and gains weight, which can also lead to cramps. If the cramps occur despite the intake of magnesium and calcium, the cause can also be a pressure lesion in the nerve tract.
It is not uncommon for the uterus to press on the strong nerve tracts that pull into the legs. The sciatic nerve - also known as the sciatic nerve - arises at the level of the coccyx and runs through the pelvis into the legs, which it then supplies with motor.
If the uterus (the uterus) comes to rest on the sciatic nerve, permanent excitation of the nerve conduction pathway can occur, resulting in muscle spasms.
But the increased weight of the legs also causes problems for the body: The mechanism is the same as for the irritation of the sciatic nerve described above.
Another factor that can lead to muscle cramps during pregnancy is a high level of phosphorus in the blood, caused by drinks containing phosphoric acid, such as cola or fanta.
Read more on the topic: Cramps during pregnancy
therapy
But what can I do against Calf cramps be done? If you suspect that the cause could be neurological or internal, you should visit the Family doctor urgently advise. Clues for this are cramps for no apparent reason, about a longer period and with Loss of sensitivity. In all other cases, a change in diet and avoiding finished products also help.
In acute cases, the legs high and relaxed be stored. Also self-employed massage helps against the cramps. There are also ready-mixed electrolyte solutions that not only contain magnesium, but also all other important elements whose deficiency can lead to muscle cramps (for example calcium). These are available without a prescription from the pharmacy.
Self-employed stretch and Loosen of the muscles prevents further cramps. This is especially recommended before going to bed so as not to be woken up by cramps at night. To do this, you circle your feet a little and shake your legs while sitting or standing on one leg. However, if the pain is no longer convulsive but rather constant, there is always a suspicion Leg vein thrombosis available. This is an emergency and should urgently be medically clarified.
What are the alternatives to magnesium?
A magnesium deficiency is a common cause of sudden muscle cramps. For this reason, magnesium intake is recommended when the cramps first occur. Nevertheless, the cramp can also have other triggers and occur despite sufficiently high magnesium levels. This can be due to numerous diseases that, depending on the severity of the muscle spasms, require intensive diagnostics.
Numerous other electrolyte changes in the blood can provoke muscle spasms, such as a calcium deficiency. These deficiency symptoms cannot always be attributed to malnutrition. Various diseases of the intestine or metabolism can lead to a reduced absorption into the body or increased excretion and consumption of minerals. This can lead to deficiency symptoms despite good nutrition and substitution of electrolytes.
If these causes for the cramps cannot be ruled out, the diagnosis can include possible orthopedic or neurological causes. In many cases, the cause of the spasm is not in the muscle, but at the level of the spine or in the brain. For example, nerve irritation in the spine can cause muscular complaints such as cramps or muscle weakness.
forecast
With the appropriate healthy lifestyle and one balanced diet cramps in calves and feet disappear in a short time. If they persist, a neurological evaluation is required.
Also have a positive effect daily exercise and massages out.
These can also be prescribed by the doctor and then performed by a physical therapist. Neurological diseases such as polyneuropathies often have a relatively poor course and are difficult to treat.
It is not uncommon for them to become a lifelong companion and are associated with daily medication.
Cramps despite taking calcium and magnesium
In addition to a lack of magnesium and calcium, a lack of other electrolytes can also cause cramps. Potassium and sodium, for example, can also be used here. These electrolytes can also be eliminated through dietary supplements, a more conscious diet or by drinking mineral water. Preparations like Biolectra can help to get the magnesium deficiency under control.
If cramps occur despite an adequate supply of magnesium and calcium, strenuous training can also be the reason for the cramping muscles. In particular, it can lead to an overload of the muscles if you have not done any sport for a long time.
Another cause of cramps in spite of magnesium and calcium intake can be orthopedic diseases. For example, a problem with the spine can cause the hips to be misaligned and put an incorrect load on the corresponding muscle. This improper exercise can lead to cramps.
In addition, side effects of medication can cause cramps despite magnesium. These include diuretics (water tablets), which can cause a shift in electrolytes and thus a potassium or sodium deficiency.
Blood lipid lowering drugs (statins) can also cause muscle spasms as a side effect.
If muscle cramps persist despite magnesium and calcium, a doctor should be consulted again, since cramps can also have neurological causes or circulatory disorders as triggers.
Calf cramps
If cramps persist despite the consumption of magnesium, other triggers can also be the reason for the calf cramps, such as overloading the muscles. Therefore, after exercising, you should always pay attention to a subsequent stretching of the muscles.
In addition, a lack of magnesium does not always have to be to blame for leg cramps. A lack of calcium, potassium or sodium can also be the reason for persistent leg cramps.
A blood analysis by the doctor can reveal these disorders in the electrolyte balance. Medication and its side effects can also be the cause of leg cramps. For example, if you take diuretics or laxatives, they can cause electrolyte disorders. Here, too, a doctor should be asked for advice on whether drugs that are taken by the patient have cramps as a side effect.
In addition to these causes, other diseases should also be considered as triggers for persistent calf cramps. Neurological (originating from the nerves) or muscular diseases can be responsible for the calf cramps. Neurological diseases include, for example, spinal problems such as herniated discs, but also nerve inflammation or paralysis. Therefore, a doctor should be consulted if persistent calf cramps occur despite magnesium in order to rule out possible more serious illnesses.
Read more on the topic Calf cramps
Cramps despite taking magnesium during pregnancy
The concentration of electrolytes in pregnant women often fluctuates during pregnancy. A magnesium deficiency is often to blame for the cramps, especially in the legs.If cramps occur despite taking magnesium, the dose of magnesium should be reconsidered, as it may not be sufficient.
If cramps occur despite the increase in dose, calcium, sodium or potassium deficiency may also be the reason for the cramps. These can be balanced out through a conscious diet or through substitution (replacement) of the electrolyte.
Cramps in pregnancy often arise from the fact that the expectant mother's body cannot get used to the weight gain quickly enough. In this case, the muscles are overloaded, especially in the legs. This overload then results in cramps. Some home remedies can help:
- Alternating baths, as the muscles are better supplied with blood and are relaxed
- Foot and leg exercises
- Stretching the cramping muscles
- warmth
Cramps in the calves often occur during pregnancy at night. If this is the case despite an adequate supply of magnesium, the pregnant woman can lie on her stomach for as long as this is still possible and let her feet hang from the mattress. If a prone position is no longer possible due to advanced pregnancy, the soles of the feet can be supported at the end of the bed so that the calves stretch a little. If cramps persist despite magnesium and other measures, a doctor should be consulted who can give further advice and assistance.
Read more on the topic: Cramps during pregnancy
