Cramp in the thigh: causes and effective remedies for it

A cramp in the thigh can make exercise torture. In this article we will explain why your muscles cramp and what you can do about it.

Cramps appear as sudden pulling and twitching in the muscle. The tension in the muscle does not release as normal after exercise, but remains for several seconds or minutes. Cramps usually feel unpleasant, can be associated with pain, but in rare cases can also occur without pain.

You may experience a cramp in your thigh, especially if you do sports such as cycling or running. In this article, you’ll learn the causes and how you can treat and prevent cramps.

Causes of a cramp in the thigh

A cramp in the thigh usually has one of the following causes:

• Overload and underload: Overstressed muscles can cause cramps. If you do too much strenuous or unfamiliar training, your muscles react and tense up to protect themselves from further strain. But too little strain, for example while sitting, can lead to cramps.

• Nutrient deficiency: A lack of electrolytes is often responsible for cramps. This can be caused by alcohol consumption, lack of fluids (for example due to diarrhea, heavy sweating or not enough water) or a general lack of nutrients.

• Hormones: In rare cases, an interaction between hormonal changes and age-related muscle shortening can also be responsible. The hormonal balance can also be unbalanced due to diseases such as hypothyroidism and can subsequently cause cramps.

• Medications: Some medications, such as stamins (cholesterol-lowering drugs), can have cramps as a side effect. If you suspect this, seek medical advice.

Good to know: In most cases, cramps are harmless. However, if your muscles cramp frequently, especially at night, this could indicate a chronic illness or nerve disorders. In this case, you should have the symptoms checked by a doctor.

Treat thigh cramps

To treat an acute thigh cramp, you should heed the following tips:

• Stretch the affected muscles: If you have a cramp in the back of your thigh, straighten your legs and grab your toes or ankles with your hands. If the cramp is in the front of your thigh, you can stand on one leg and pull the foot of the other leg to your buttocks.

• Use heat: Warm the muscle, for example with a hot water bottle. The warmth relaxes the muscles. You can also add about three tablespoons of valerian tincture, as it also has a muscle-relaxing effect.

If the cramp cannot be resolved despite these tips, you should consult a doctor.

Prevent thigh cramps

How to prevent thigh cramps:

• Cramps can indicate a lack of minerals in the body. Magnesium is often mentioned here. However, it has not been scientifically proven whether taking magnesium can really prevent cramps. In any case, you should pay attention to a balanced diet in order to supply your body with all the necessary minerals and vitamins. This is the only way you can sustainably prevent a nutrient deficiency.
• If you have recurring thigh cramps, make sure to stretch regularly. Use the exercises described above. A good stretching routine will prevent cramps.