Causes And Risk Factors Associated With Muscle Cramps

Narrowed Arteries

Narrowed arteries typically cause cramps while an individual is exercising or directly after they finish exercising. The cramps rarely persist for long after they stop exercising and rest. If they do persist, the affected individual may need medical attention. The legs are supplied with blood through several different arteries. Exercising can cause these arteries to narrow, which means that individuals may not receive the blood supply they need. This is doubly compounded because the muscles need more oxygen during exercise, and oxygen is delivered by red blood cells.

Cramps from this phenomenon can occur throughout the legs and feet. Peripheral artery disease often causes cramping pain in the calves, thighs, or hips. The narrowed arteries are only noticeable during exercise, since the muscles require more oxygen. In this case, cramps are the muscle warning the brain it cannot sustain the current activity level.

Learn more about the causes of muscle cramps now.