Leg Cramps: Causes and What to Do

There is nothing quite like having leg cramps. I can be sleeping soundly one minute and be wide awake and writhing in pain the next. It feels like someone has tied barbed wire around my calf muscle and then put a wrench on both ends. But what are some possible causes?

In my experience, muscle injury due to overuse can certainly cause leg cramps. But one should not just assume that's what it is.

The Mayo Clinic says that during periods of heavier exercise than normal you can become dehydrated, which can cause leg cramps as well. Simply replenishing your body's water supply can alleviate leg cramps that result from dehydration. But dehydration also can result from inadequate fluid intake even during normal daily activity.

Leg Cramps Causes

According to the Mayo Clinic , the depletion of calcium in your body is one of them. But Mayo also states that too little potassium and magnesium can play a role in leg cramps as well. And the depletion of these minerals in the body can be caused by several factors.

For example, the Mayo Clinic says people who take diuretics and blood pressure medications may find their levels of calcium, potassium and magnesium are still not up to par. These medications have a tendency to deplete mineral levels, in spite of efforts to eat foods rich in these minerals.

Leg cramps causes can come from much more serious issues as well. Harvard Medical School says about 30,000 people in America currently suffer with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (otherwise known as ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease). About 5,600 people are newly diagnosed every year. Muscle cramps in the legs can be one of the symptoms.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that muscle pain, stiffness and cramping in the legs and toes are also symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Studies through the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) show that leg cramps can be the beginning signs of serious kidney malfunction. When kidneys don't function properly, wastes aren't being filtered from the blood in a sufficient manner. The resulting condition is called uremia.

Sometimes leg cramps causes are simply unknown. But if leg cramps should become frequent and persistent, you should not hesitate to see your doctor. There may be a serious underlying cause.

Remedies for Leg Cramps

There are many remedies for alleviating leg cramps causes, but you should do your homework and choose wisely.

One of the most common remedies doctors used to treat leg cramps was quinine, a chemical with medical uses. However, according to Johns Hopkins Health Alerts, quinine can have some serious side effects. It should only be used for its primary purpose: to treat malaria.

Johns Hopkins says that doctors are exploring the use of muscle relaxers, numbing agents and calcium channel blockers as other treatments for leg cramps causes. Johns Hopkins also says diazepam and naftidrofuryl (an antiseizure medication) may be effective, but patients are encouraged to try B-complex vitamins.

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Protecting Yourself from Tear Gas

Security forces are legally allowed to use tear gas for crowd control, but there are strict international guidelines around its use and the way it can be deployed against civilians for crowd control.

Journalists covering demonstrations should be aware of the effects of tear gas and how to respond when affected.

How does Tear Gas Work?

Typical RCAs (Riot Control Agents) such as tear gas are delivered by either a spray or a grenade canister fired from a baton gun. The canisters themselves can be hazardous as they usually generate a lot of heat and will cause nasty burns if handled. If they are fired at close range, they can cause serious damage to a person’s body and have resulted in death.

Police fired tear gas on protesters massing outside parliament in the Thai capital, injuring 65

When chemicals used in tear gas react with moisture they cause a burning sensation, meaning that the eyes, skin and lungs are extremely susceptible. Oil-based creams, sunscreens and make-up will also absorb tear gas, so avoid wearing these when covering protests where it might be used.

Tear gas attacks the lungs, so if you suffer from any respiratory diseases, including asthma, you should seriously consider the potentially dangerous effects this may have on your condition.

Tear gas can cause serious irritation to a person's respiratory system

Streaming and burning of eyelids and throat as well as excessive coughing are all reactions to tear gas. An excess of mucus coming from the nose, eyelids and throat is also common. People often report that they feel disorientated and dizzy just after breathing it in.

The effects usually wear off within an hour, although the feeling of burning and highly irritated skin may persist for hours.

Symptoms of Tear Gas Exposure

• Stinging and burning of the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin
• Excessive tearing
• Blurred vision
• Runny nose
• Salivation (drooling)
• Exposed tissue may develop a rash and a chemical burn
• Coughing and difficulty breathing, including a feeling of choking
• Disorientation and confusion, which may lead to panic
• Intense anger

Eye redness and excessive tearing can happen

The disorientation and confusion may not be totally psychological. In some cases, the Solvent used to prepare the tear gas may contribute to the reaction and may be more toxic than the lachrymatory agent.

How to Protect Yourself

A gas mask (often called a respirator) is the best tool to protect yourself. They are not cheap, but they'll allow you to cover the story safely. They are subject to export licences in some countries, so ensure you have the correct paperwork to travel with them.

A gas mask consists of a rubber mask with a canister and filter fitted to the side. It is fitted to the size and shape of your face, and you should not assume that yours will fit someone else. Ensure you have a spare canister, as they do need changing after several hours (this depends on the make and model of the gas mask as well as how long it has been used).

Wear a mask to protect your self

If you already have a gas mask, make sure it is working properly and is correctly fitted. Any masks purchased online or in military surplus stores should be checked by an expert to ensure they work correctly.

The next best thing after a gas mask is an escape hood, which is cheaper and is not subject to the same export rules.

Wash your eye if you get hit by a tear gas

You can also use a builder's respirator that covers your nose and mouth – but make sure that you use appropriate filters. Failing that, a dust mask for DIY and building and airtight goggles will provide some degree of protection.

What to Do if You Get Tear Gassed

• If you have a gas mask, or a mask and goggles, put them on. You may then be able to continue working in the gas. Be aware that you will still need to wash yourself and all clothes as the gas will remain on you, your clothes and your equipment.
• If you have no protection, cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or cloth or use the inside of your coat to protect your airway (the outside of your jacket is likely to be contaminated).
• Stand in the fresh air and allow the breeze to carry away the CS gas.
• Keeping your arms outstretched which will help CS gas to come off your clothing.
• Try to get to high ground – most RCAs are heavier than air, so the highest concentrations tend to sit nearer to the ground.
• Remember that the gas will impregnate clothing for many months, so any clothing that may have been contaminated should be immediately washed several times or discarded.
• Any exposed skin should be washed with soap and water. Shower first in cold water, then warm water. Do not bathe.
• Don't rub your eyes or face, or this will reactivate any crystals.

Stand in the fresh air and allow the breeze to carry away the CS gas

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