Interesting Reasons You May Get Leg Cramps

Peripheral Neuropathy

The peripheral nervous system is responsible for the transmission of information from the central nervous system to other areas of the body and consists of nerves and pathways residing outside of the brain and spinal cord. When these nerves and pathways are damaged, due to trauma, illness, toxins and genetic abnormalities, a condition called peripheral neuropathy can develop. While it can be attributed to a variety of factors, peripheral neuropathy is most frequently associated with diabetes. One of the most common symptoms of this form of neuropathy is leg cramps, which can be painful in nature. These leg cramps can be accompanied by a wide variety of other symptoms, including loss of sensation in the hands, feet and legs, muscle twitching, and changes in skin, hair or nails. There is currently no cure, but there are several treatment options to manage the condition, including over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, as well as lidocaine injections and patches.

Read more about what causes cramps to develop in the legs now.