10 Causes of Calf Cramps
Cause #10: Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when there is deficit in the total body water causing a disruption of the body’s metabolic processes. Deficit of total body water can occur when there is excessive free water loss compared to free water intake due to disease, exercise, or high environmental pressure.
Most individuals are able to handle 3 to 4 percent of decrease in total body water without experiencing adverse effects. When there is 5 to 8 percent decrease, there can be dizziness and fatigue. When the deficit is more than 10 percent, physical and mental deterioration begins. Once the deficit reaches 15 to 25 percent, death can occur. Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, thirst, general discomfort, appetite loss, confusion, tiredness, seizures, and leg or calf cramps. Calf cramps occur as water deficit can lead to decreased salt levels, triggering muscle cramps.
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