Addressing the Issues of Leg Cramps

Imagine yourself totally beat up by the uncontrollable and painful spasm in your legs, that with just a simple movement, a radiating pain cold start at your calf and radiate to all over your extremity. However, it is even more bothersome when the cramps happen in the middle of your rest, wherein you are suddenly jolted by a pang and twitching of the muscles in your extremities.

Most of the time, fitness enthusiasts such as cyclists and runners are often affected by this condition because of their heavy use of the lower extremity muscles. Yet, there are a good number of people engaged in the sedentary lifestyle who have experienced the painful situation as well. As a registered nurse, these are the experiences of people who will be under your care, who will call to you for help because of excruciating pain. Through ATC Healthcare Services, you can assist them to have a deeper understanding of their experiences.

What Causes the Pain?

There are varying reasons as to why leg cramping can occur; it can be due to dehydration after a good, long run. It can also be because of the vigorous exercise routine as experienced by athletes. Taking of medications such as diuretics predisposes your clients to severe leg cramping too. Diuretics can put them at risk of dehydration and it can also change electrolyte balance of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in their body. Additionally, poor consumption of foods which are rich in the electrolytes can promote leg spasms. This knowledge should be imparted to your clients in order that they are compliant in finding healthy life choices. Most Healthcare Staffing in Philadelphia encourages the of practice health education for the benefit of their clients.

Common Methods to Address Leg Cramping

The twitching of your client’s muscle could range from a few seconds to minutes. It can happen in an acute onset, or it could be an intermittent occurrence which is spread out over a long period of time. That is why these are some of the things which you can do so as to help them find comfort of their issues:

• Ice pack – you can always resort to applying ice packs because the coldness can numb the area, and it can help relax their muscles.
• Stretching – most physiotherapists will advocate stretches before starting vigorous exercises so that the muscles are warmed-up and thus minimizing the amount of cramping. Also, stretching whenever cramping occurs will help decrease the length of the pain being experienced.
• Medication – there are certain medications that can control the pain and spasm which your clients are experiencing. Such medications can be taken orally or it can also be applied topically in the area affected to soothe the twitched muscles. Ensure that you support them in proper medicine management.
• Diet – consuming foods that are rich in magnesium, calcium, and potassium will help free them from any episodes of muscle cramping.

If for instance, leg cramping has been going on for too long, it would be wise to refer your client for medical help so that comprehensive workup of the current condition will be done by the physician. This will allow them to enjoy further treatment and rehabilitation to minimize or ward off the painful experience. Being skillful and knowledgeable will help keep your client remain comfortable as possible.