Eeow! Startled from a deep sleep, you suddenly come to with a shriek, as your calf, thigh, or maybe the arch of your foot contracts in violent pain. Commonly called a “Charley horse,” this is a common and painful occurrence. Discover what causes leg cramps at night, as well as how you can prevent and relieve them. Show
Usually, a leg cramp strikes during the night or when you’re resting. Groggily, you struggle to straighten your leg, pull your toes forward, perhaps kneading the knotted muscles with your thumbs. After the spasms subside, you may get up and try to hobble around a bit to loosen up the painful area a little more. By now you’re completely awake, and you may not return to sleep. The cramped muscles may remain tender for hours or even days.* The nighttime “Charley horse” is an age-old, global problem. Other languages use terms that translate into phrases like muscle hangover, wooden leg, thigh hen, thigh cookie, donkey bite, old woman, and water buffalo. What Causes Leg Cramps at Night?Sixty percent of adults say they’ve experienced nocturnal leg or foot cramps at some time in their lives. Pregnant women and older people tend to suffer nighttime leg cramps more often than other groups, but medical experts say there’s often no clear explanation of why these nighttime leg cramps occur, listing many conditions that might bring one on, including:
Leg Cramp RemediesWhen a cramp startles you from sleep, here are 5 tips to manage the problem:
How to Prevent Leg CrampsIf you’re prone to leg cramps at night, these 6 tips can help to stop cramps from happening again:
Basic calf stretch Just stretching the affected muscles three times a week will help immensely. Here’s how to do it:
Towel stretch Do this stretch while you sit:
Hold stretch for at least 10 seconds, working up to 30 seconds. And perform each stretch 3 to 5 times. (Find more stretches here. Clicking the “Exercise Search” box on the right side.) The drug quinine, once prescribed to prevent night cramps, is now rarely prescribed for this use, because the possibility of severe adverse reactions outweighs the benefits of its use. If you start having far more frequent or severe attacks of night cramps, see your doctor for an evaluation to rule out a more serious medical condition. Restless Leg SyndromeDon’t confuse nighttime leg cramps with restless leg syndrome (RLS). RLS is annoying and may cause an aching sensation, but it’s not usually painful and doesn’t cause cramping. See home remedies for restless leg syndrome. *Note: If your calf or thigh is swollen, warm to the touch, or discolored; if your pain gets worse when you get up and walk around and doesn’t subside after a minute or two, seek immediate medical help. Don’t knead or massage a swollen muscle. These symptoms could signal a serious, potentially life-threatening condition called a deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in a deep vein that can travel to a lung, where it can block blood flow. Home and Health Health and Wellness Natural Health and Home Muscle Twitches, Tics, and JerksRestless Legs Syndrome: Symptoms and Home RemediesHome Remedies for Varicose and Spider VeinsWhy You Wake Up Stiff and AchyIce or Heat: Home Remedies for PainWhat Is The Best Sleeping Position?Get Almanac’s Daily UpdatesFree Email NewsletterEmail Address BONUS: You’ll also receive our free Beginner Gardening Guide! ADVERTISEMENT CommentsAdd a Comment Chronic Long T… (not verified) 1 month ago I have been plagued with leg cramps since I was a little girl. At summer camp I was afraid to go kayaking as I worried that I would get a cramps. They have ruined and interfered with a lot of activities while growing up and into adult hood. patrick dickey (not verified) 10 months 4 weeks ago If I don't drink at least one bottle of gatorade a day, I can expect leg cramps that night. This home cure will stop the cramps usually within a minute sometimes two. Dill pickle juice..!! When I cramp, I hobble to the fridge, guzzle down a pint of pickle juice. (available from Amazon) The cramp is usually gone and Catherine Hays (not verified) 1 year ago I’m shocked at the lack of information about leg cramps. It’s a crime that the medical industry hasn’t a clue. Magnesium deficiency is the cause and magnesium supplements (magnesium glycinate) as well as topical use of magnesium chloride (a few Tablespoons crystals dissolved in a cup of H2O then put feet in this and let the bottom of the feet absorb the magnesium). Your leg cramps will be gone in moments. You can apply directly to the calf also. You may soak the entire body for an overall relaxation treatment. Magnesium relaxes muscles. Why are doctors so clueless about this painful problem? I take 3-4 types of magnesium every day because my body (kidneys) “dump” magnesium. If you don’t have enough magnesium you will have kidney problems. Take it from me. I’ve managed to stay off dialysis. Most of our foods are very much lacking minerals so trying to supplement with just foods may not be sufficient for those with serious deficiencies. I had world-class leg cramps at night. Very painful. My best to everyone. |