how to stop leg cramps at night
They affect your sleep, exercise routine and general quality of life. The following sections discuss possible causes of leg cramps at night and risk factors that make a person more likely to experience them. How to stop leg cramps at night The following tips may help you avoid leg cramps while sleeping: Drink plenty of fluids. Stops Leg Cramps is an amazing old Amish formula that stops nighttime leg cramps in about 1 minute. Then, wrap a towel around the ball of your foot and gently pull on the ends of the fabric to stretch your leg back. We set out to you guys to hear what works for you! We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Changing Your Diet Try drinking 8 fl oz (240 mL) of tonic water if stretches donât help. When a cramp happens, try flexing the muscle, applying heat or ice and massaging the area. Many medications list muscle cramping as a side effect. Nighttime leg crampsâalso called nocturnal leg crampsâcan jolt a person awake in the middle of the night. If you get a charley horse in your calf or in the back of your thigh (hamstring), put your weight on the affected leg and bend your knee slightly. There may also be a link between pregnancy and leg cramps at night. If you have any of the following conditions, it’s possible that your leg cramps are a result of that condition. Sitting for long periods of time or otherwise being inactive may make the muscles in your ⦠Fluids help transport nutrients and waste to and from the muscles. Among those who have them, about 40% experience symptoms three times a week, and 5% to 10% report symptoms every night. Immediate action for leg cramps. In general, you should be drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, ⦠Anyone uncertain about how supportive their footwear is can consult a podiatrist. A doctor will want to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms first and then test for other possible causes. 7% of children will, as well. What to know about a blood clot in the leg, flexing and unflexing the foot to help extend the leg muscles. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Read ⦠“Secondary” leg cramps are a symptom or complication of a more serious health condition. Nocturnal leg cramps can be very uncomfortable and cause sleep problems. This is because your tendons (the tissues that connect your muscles to your bones) naturally shorten as you age. Overexertion, such as exercising the muscles very intensely for a long time, may cause some people to experience more cramping later in the day. Some possible home remedies to find relief in the moment include: Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin will not help ease cramps because cramps are not related to inflammation. Nighttime leg cramps (also called Nocturnal Leg Cramps) are caused by a multitude of factors including magnesium deficiency, disrupted Circadian Rhythm, damaged or overactive nerves, activity levels and stress. There are rumors that leg cramps can also be a sign of the following conditions. Try forcefully stretching the affected muscle (for example, stretch your calf muscle by flexing your foot upward). Although painful to live with, cramps are generally harmless. Athletes are more likely to get leg cramps after doing higher than normal levels of activity. If youâre prone to leg cramps at night, these 6 tips can help to stop cramps from happening again: A lot of uphill walking/running or stair-climbing shortens the back muscles and the muscles and tendons at the back of the legs, making them more likely to cramp later. If you get leg cramps at night, you know just how horrible it can be! The primary cause of idiopathic leg cramps is up for debate. Many home remedies canâ¦, Hand cramps can occur for a number of reasons. Someone who does not stretch their muscles or exercise regularly may be more at risk of leg cramps at night. They may wake you up, make it harder for you to fall back asleep and leave you feeling sore all night. Leg cramps are unlikely to be a sign of: Leg cramps are not likely to be a sign of a deficiency in: Unfortunately, leg cramps happen very suddenly. People may confuse nocturnal leg cramps with restless leg syndrome. Last medically reviewed on September 12, 2019, Feeling stiff, tired, or a weighted sensation in the legs can have a range of potential causes. Leg cramps are very common and usually harmless. 2. Standing for long periods during the day, which is common in many jobs, may fatigue muscles. If you are concerned that you have a serious health condition, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider and report your symptoms, including your leg cramps. For calf spasm or charley horse, point the toes of the affected leg toward your head while keeping the knee extended," says Dr. Jaffee. Poor nutrition, obesity, and pregnancy can allâ¦, Leg pain is a common symptom of injury or disease affecting the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, joints, soft tissues, or bones. Leg cramps are involuntary muscle spasms anywhere in the leg, though they are most common in the calf. It may help deal with the pain from a cramp but will not relieve the cramps. They may prescribe medication or other treatments to manage nocturnal leg cramps and help a person sleep better. This means it makes it harder for muscles to âfireâ off and to contract. Electrolyte imbalance is the main cause of leg cramps. Policy. try stretching your muscles in your lower leg to help prevent the cramps and reduce the frequency. This may include such activities as walking or spending a few minutes on a stationary bike before bedtime. Anyone dealing with leg cramps regularly should see a doctor for a full diagnosis. Yearly, monthly, weekly, nightly – the frequency of leg cramps depends on the person. MassageSimilar to stretching, the aim of massage is to relax the muscle and return it to itâs original ⦠Count to five before you stop, and do it over and over again for at least five minutes. (This sign is debated among experts.). Nighttime leg cramps can keep you from having a good nightâs sleep, which comes with its own complications. If nighttime leg cramps are bothering you every night or on most nights, itâs a good idea for you to seek the help of your doctor. Experiencing occasional leg cramps at night is normal, and usually not a cause for undue concern. Drink plenty of liquids every day. Tonic water with quinine is shown to be one of the most effective home remedies for leg cramps at night that you should remember. They can happen at any time, but most people have them at night or when resting. Dehydration: The lack of sufficient water in the body. Some people feel they do not experience as many cramps if they do some mild exercises at the end of the day. The easiest thing you could do to stop leg cramps and prevent further occurrence is to stay hydrated. They can disrupt sleep and break up a personâs sleep cycle, which can make them feel tired or lethargic the next day. One big cause of leg cramps â and muscle cramps in general â is dehydration. Cardiovascular disease: Heart conditions caused by blood clots or diseased blood vessels. 7% of children will, as well. Fortunately, that is not the case. It actually has an interesting history. 2. Although both nocturnal leg cramps (leg cramps at night) and restless legs syndrome tend to happen to you at night or when you’re at rest, restless legs syndrome doesn’t cause the severe pain. Pain from swelling caused by excess fluid (edema) may feel like leg cramps. You’re also more likely to get them if you’re a woman. These steps may help prevent cramps: 1. Almost half of people over age 50 report some kind of leg cramps. Causes range from overuseâ¦, A blood clot in the leg can cause swelling, red skin, and warmth in the surrounding area. Simple home remedies may help in the moment, such as flexing the foot, stretching the legs, or massaging the tense muscle. Nearly every adult age 50 and older will have them at least one time. The reason behind that is thought to be that the extra weight of pregnancy strains the muscles. Also, coronary artery disease: The narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries. Stretching will stimulate relief to your body. During activity, replenish fluids at regular intervals, and continue drinking water or other fluids after you're finished. 40% of pregnant women will experience leg cramps at night. "-Sonia E. Stay Hydrated Leg cramps can strike during the day as well, especially during physical activities. As a review published in the journal BMC Family Practice notes, up to 33% of people over 50 years of age experience chronic nocturnal leg cramps. Leg cramps are very common and normal, especially at night. They typically occur in the calf muscles, though they may also appear in the thighs or feet. Leg cramps at night happen when you’re not very active, or when you’re asleep. Learn about the causes, prevention, and treatment. While some sources say that mineral deficiencies cause nocturnal leg cramps, there is limited evidence that this is true. Sitting or lying in a certain way that restricts movement or blood flow to the legs, such as resting one leg on the other or with the legs crossed, may lead to cramps. It’s possible that a prescription you’re taking could be causing your leg cramps. Possible causes for leg cramps at night (nocturnal leg cramps) include: Drugs have side effects. Diabetes: A disease that prevents your body from properly using the energy from the food you eat. However, persistent or recurring pain can be a sign of anâ¦, © 2004-2020 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Night cramps can be agonising. 40% of pregnant women will experience leg cramps at night. Some leg cramps happen for no known reason and they are called “idiopathic” cramps. An instance of a leg cramp can last from several seconds to several minutes. When you do move, the restlessness stops, but there is still discomfort. Our amazing old Amish remedy can stop leg cramps at night in about 60 seconds. Nighttime or nocturnal leg cramps, which affect more than half of adults, can also be triggered by tiredness. There are also other treatments and prevention methods to try. Leg cramps may make it very difficult to fall asleep, and this could lead to issues such as insomnia over time. In some cases, doctors will prescribe medications to treat chronic leg cramps, including: A person should talk with a doctor to discuss these drugs and any possible side effects. A. Nocturnal leg cramps are common as people get older. This might be due to the increased nutritional demands or hormone changes in the body during pregnancy. Nocturnal leg cramps may also lead to other issues. Antibiotics may not always do the trick, so many ⦠They can be very painful and make it hard for you to move. restless legs syndrome than it is with night leg cramps. In that case, work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the pros and cons of the medication vs. its side effects. Touch the wall with your arms outstretched while keeping your feet flat. Nocturnal leg cramps can happen to anyone at any age, but they happen most often to older adults. Your leg muscles need to be stretched out, however horrendous the exercise, to get rid of the pain. There are no warning signs. Parkinson’s disease: A neurological movement disorder. No other word for it. Check if it's leg cramps. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Lou Gehrig’s disease): Progressive neuromuscular disease. 33% of people over age 60 will have a leg cramp at night at least once every two months. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease): The corrosion of the cartilage that protects your bones. Maintaining a healthy weight andâ¦, Lower back and leg pain can result from poor posture and overstraining the back muscles. Nearly every adult age 50 and older will have them at least one time. Likewise, if the cramps spread to other muscles or become severe, people can see a doctor for a full diagnosis. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Another leading theory is that sitting for an extended period, such as while working at a desk, may cause the muscles to shorten over time. This means that you can help prevent or reduce leg cramps by ensuring that your diet provides all the minerals that you need. Always consult your healthcare provider if you think your leg cramps are a symptom of a more serious medical condition. Leg cramps happen when a muscle suddenly shortens and becomes tight (spasms). Much of the time, simple stretches may help ease the cramped muscles. Keep note of all the above to prevent and cure pain. Nocturnal leg cramps can happen to anyone at any age, but they happen most often to older adults. The amount depends on what you eat, your sex, your level of activity, the weather, your health, your age and medications you take. Donât wear too tight clothes on your legs if you suffer from thigh cramps. You should keep certain factors in mind if you frequently suffer fromthigh cramps. Tonic water ⦠Like we always say, water is the best medicine. Some people may notice they have less cramping when they wear more supportive shoes. It does work. Possible causes of them include: Women who are pregnant often have leg cramps during the day and at night. Night leg cramps usually involve your calf muscles, although muscles in your feet or thighs might cramp as well. Learn about causes and treatments here. However, there are risk factors such as pregnancy and the use of medications that have leg cramps as a side effect. Thereâs some evidence that dehydration promotes nocturnal cramping. How to Prevent Leg Cramps. People may wish to experiment with sleeping in more stretched out positions to see if this eases their nighttime leg cramps. This physical inactivity when a person has not stretched their muscles for a while may increase the risk of cramps, and these can commonly occur in bed at night. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Experiencing leg cramps at night is fairly common. Jiggle your leg, massage it, or force yourself to walk. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Leg cramps, also called charley horses, are uncontrolled spasms in the muscles of the leg that may be painful. Studies show magnesium supplementation alone is not effective for resolving nocturnal leg cramps. You might also know them as a “charley horse.” Sometimes the cramp may cause your leg to spasm – to tighten uncontrollably. This will not only ⦠Almost half of people over age 50 report some kind of leg cramps. Dehydration. Medicines that have leg cramps as a side effect include: Others may include: Amoxicillin, bromocriptine (Parlodel), bupropion (Wellbutrin), celecoxib (Celebrex®), cetirizine (Zyrtec), chromium, cinacalcet (Sensipar), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), citalopram (Celexa), donepezil (Aricept), eszopiclone (Lunesta), fluoxetine (Prozac), IV iron sucrose, lansoprazole (Prevacid), levalbuterol, levothyroxine, metformin, niconitis acid, nifedipine, rivastigmine (Exelon), sertraline (Zoloft), telmisartan (Micardis), teriparatide (Forteo®) and teriparatide raloxifene (Evista®). 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