Causes of leg cramps and treatments that can be done with chiropractic
"Leg cramps are caused by fatigue in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, as well as insufficient blood flow. Chiropractic treatment loosens the calf muscles, improves swelling and chills, and helps you sleep better."
Hello, this is Hatai from the chiropractic salon Re・Set.
Have you ever had the experience of getting a cramp in your leg in the middle of the night or while exercising?
The calf muscles, specifically the gastrocnemius and soleus, are often involved. If you wake up in pain, or feel heavy and tired for a while afterward, this may actually be a sign that your body is trying to tell you something.
What is the gastrocnemius muscle?
The gastrocnemius is a large muscle located on the surface of the calf, and is the part that creates the so-called "calf bulge."
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It begins at the femur and attaches to the heel via the Achilles tendon.
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Its main functions are to bend the ankle downwards (plantar flexion) and to bend the knee.
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These muscles are rich in fast-twitch muscle fibers , which are involved in explosive movements such as sprinting and jumping.
When the gastrocnemius muscles become fatigued, they are prone to sudden contractions and spasms, leading to the phenomenon of "sudden leg cramps!"
What is the soleus muscle?
The soleus muscle is a deep muscle located inside the gastrocnemius, and is named after its resemblance to the shape of a soleus fish.
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It starts from the shin bone or fibula and attaches to the heel via the Achilles tendon.
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Its main function is to bend the ankle downward (plantar flexion), but it does not affect knee movement.
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It contains a lot of slow-twitch muscle fibers that have endurance and is important for maintaining posture .
In particular, the soleus muscle is responsible for the "muscle pumping action" that pushes blood back to the heart, and is also known as the "second heart." When the soleus muscle becomes stiff, blood flow is impeded, which can lead to swelling, chills, and leg cramps.
Comparison of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles
| Gastrocnemius muscle | Soleus muscle | |
|---|---|---|
| position | Calf surface (raised area) | Deep layer beneath the gastrocnemius |
| Attachment | Femur to Achilles tendon | Shin bone/fibula to Achilles tendon |
| Work | Ankle plantar flexion + knee flexion | Ankle plantar flexion only |
| Features | High in explosive power and fast-twitch muscles | High in endurance and slow-twitch muscles |
| role | Involved in jumping and running | Maintaining posture and pumping blood flow |
| Examples of illness | Cramps during exercise | Swelling from standing for long periods of time and leg cramps at night |
The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are both "calf muscles," but because they have different functions, it is very important to maintain a balance between them.
The main causes of leg cramps
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Muscle fatigue (especially the gastrocnemius)
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Water and mineral deficiency
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Decreased blood flow due to cold (decreased function of the soleus muscle)
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Posture and pelvic misalignment
Care that can be done with chiropractic
In chiropractic treatment, we aim to create a body that is free from leg cramps , rather than just providing a temporary solution.
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Improve blood flow by adjusting the pelvis and hip joints
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Relaxes the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, restoring flexibility
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Correct your center of gravity by adjusting the balance of your ankles and soles
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Regulate breathing and improve autonomic nervous system disorders
After the treatment, many people say things like, "My legs no longer cramp at night," and "My calves feel lighter."
Home prevention methods
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Calf stretches before bed
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Don't forget to replenish with water and minerals
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Keep your feet warm (leg warmers, etc.)
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Strengthen your soleus muscles with tiptoe exercises
summary
Leg cramps are an SOS sign from the body, and are particularly related to fatigue and insufficient blood flow to the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.
By using chiropractic treatment to tone muscles and improve blood flow, you can prevent leg cramps in the middle of the night and everyday fatigue.
If you've been experiencing frequent leg cramps or stiff calves recently, please feel free to contact us.
#Leg cramps #Calf #Gastrocnemius #Soleus #Chiropractic #Swelling improvement #Coldness #Hashimoto Chiropractic #Sagamihara City
