Night Leg Cramps

A leg cramp is a sudden and uncontrolled contraction of a muscle. This happens when a muscle contracts too hard. The muscles that contract in this manner are those that cross two joints, such as the calf (the muscles that cross the ankle and knee), hamstring (the muscles that cross the hip and knee) and the quadriceps (the muscles that also cross the knee and hip).

Leg cramps usually occur at night, and in most cases last for a few minutes. In some cases, it might just last a few seconds, while in others the pain might even take 10 minutes to subside. Leg cramps are more common among older people, sometimes these cramps turn very regular, for instance, they occur three times a week to everyday of the week.

Night Leg Cramps - Causes

The exact cause of a leg cramp is unknown; there is a theory that states that cramps occur when a muscle that is already in a shortened position is stimulated to contract further. Apart from this, the other known causes are:

• Dehydration
• Diabetes
• Tiredness in the muscles
• Pregnancy
• Lead poisoning
• Excess intake of alcohol
• Medications
• Decrease in the potassium levels
• Neuromuscular disorders

Treatment

• Have a bath with hot water
• Walk on the leg that is affected
• Massage the affected leg
• Stretch and flex the muscles
• Apply a cold pack on the affected area

Prevention

• Drink a lot of fluids during the day, as dehydration is linked to leg cramps. It is advisable to drink at least 3 full glasses of water each day. Intake of fluids before, during and after exercise is also important.
• Stretching can help relax muscle fibers. It is important to remember not to exercise vigorously before bedtime.
• Increase exercise routine gradually. Remember to increase your exercise program by only 10% compared to the previous week, as sudden changes can cause cramps in the leg.
• Improve your posture while resting in bed. Use positions that prevent the calf muscles from shortening while you are asleep.

When to see a doctor

If and when you find the leg cramps becoming a usual phenomenon, it is advisable to see a doctor. The doctor may analyze your blood to ensure that the levels of potassium and other electrolytes are normal. Medications that help the muscles to relax may also be prescribed.