Causes and Treatments for Aching Legs
Article Sources
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- 3. 'Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief & Prevention.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14170-leg-cramps.
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2. Cramps
Cramps are painful muscle contractions that can affect anyone. Leg cramps are very common and are often referred to as a charley horse, a term dating back to the turn of the 20th century.2‘What Is a Charley Horse? Muscle Cramps Explained.’ Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312241#why/are/muscle/cramps/called/charley/horses. Cramps may cause muscle spasms and leg stiffening, and leave a person in pain for hours after the muscle knots they cause have gone away.
Treatments for cramps include hydration, pain medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, stretching and rest. Applying ice or heat may also help relax the muscles.3‘Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief & Prevention.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14170-leg-cramps.
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