Many people over age 50 experience recurrent lower leg cramps, usually in the evening. Their calf muscles seem to tighten up into a knot. Stretching does not alleviate the pain, though massaging the calves often helps.
The culprit is usually mineral deficiencies. This can happen even if your taking a multi-vitamin. The three most common deficiencies, in order, are magnesium, calcium and potassium. All three are involved in nerve and muscle contraction.
The first thing to do is to consume foods rich in these minerals. Magnesium is found in whole grains, legumes and green leafy vegetables. Good source of Calcium include broccoli, collard greens, kelp, yogurt and milk. Potassium-rich foods include apples, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and potatoes.
However, many people get the best results by taking a combination supplement. Take a calcium (500 mg) / magnesium (250 mg) complex after dinner. For most people, this will resolve the problem within a day. If that doesn't help, a potassium deficiency may be the problem. Drink eight ounces of vegetables juice a day, such as low-sodium V8 juice.
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