Leg Cramps At Night
Even while your body is at rest, some automatic movements are still taking place. Leg cramps at night are among these movements.
What are night leg cramps?
Leg cramps at night are spontaneous, involuntary muscle contractions that may cause you to come awake. The cramping will start at the calf muscles and may spread to the muscles of the feet, legs and thighs. Cramps may cause discomfort and pain, but should not be cause for alarm. You might feel some soreness after the cramps resolve, but leg cramps do not indicate the presence of a more serious disorder.
Is it the same as restless leg syndrome?
Nocturnal leg cramps should not be mistaken for restless leg syndrome (RLS). RLS is characterized by tingling, pinprick-like and disturbing crawling sensations on the legs that usually occur while the person is awake. By simply walking or running, you can relieve the discomfort caused by RLS. On the other hand, nocturnal leg cramps occur during the early sleep stages. The painful cramping feels more like muscle spasms originating at the calf muscles and radiating to the legs and feet.
What causes leg cramps at night?
The exact causes of nocturnal leg cramps have not been defined. However, imbalances in muscle chemistry may have something to do with the cramping. There are also some activities that may promote the occurrence of leg cramps. These include: improper posture while sitting or standing especially for extended periods, standing on hard surfaces for long periods, over-stressing leg muscles and inadequate hydration.
Some diseases may contribute to the tendency to experience leg cramps such as Addison’s disease, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Hypoglycemia and Parkinson’s disease.
Deficiency of minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium can cause the leg muscles to cramp.
Structural disorders that affect normal leg alignment like flatfeet can be a cause. When the arch of the feet are completely flat, there is a tendency to turn inwards affecting normal alignment of the leg and possibly contributing to the occurrence of leg cramps.
Taking certain medications like diuretics, blood pressure medications and contraceptives, disturb muscle cell chemistry and causes cramping of the leg.
Who gets leg cramps at night?
Nocturnal leg cramps can happen to anybody, although it seems to happen more to the over-50 age group and pregnant women.
How can you prevent night leg cramps?
There are some sensible things you can do to minimize the occurrence of nocturnal leg cramps. First, make sure you get adequate hydration by drinking the recommended six to eight glasses a day. Wear shoes that fit correctly and are appropriate for your activities. Next, do stretching exercises giving extra attention to the calf muscles, preferably before you go to bed. Exercising on a stationary bike may also be beneficial. Finally, when you get into bed, make sure that sheets and blankets are loose enough so as not to distort the feet and toes.
How can you stop a nighttime leg cramp when it happens?
When you get a leg cramp attack at night, it might help if you got up and walked around. Try to shake your leg and stretch out the calf muscles by extending your leg then pulling your toes up towards the leg. Try grabbing your feet, then pulling up. If the stretching won’t give bring relief, a warm bath or alternately treating with hot and cold compresses then massaging with your hands or with some ice cubes might help.
What are the medications available?
Your doctor should be able to determine if you have any chemical imbalances that need to be addressed. Calcium, Vitamin E supplements and Diphenhydramine hydrochloride have been recommended to relieve night leg cramps. Severe leg cramping has been treated with quinine and muscle relaxants, depending on how severe and how often your symptoms occur.