If You Often Get Leg Cramps at Night, Your Body May Be Sending a Warning Sign
Nighttime leg cramps are usually harmless, but frequent or severe cramps shouldn’t simply be ignored. They commonly affect the calf and can occur without an identifiable cause, particularly as people get older.
M
Mayo Clinic
+1
Possible contributors include:
Dehydration or prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
Muscle overuse or fatigue.
Certain medicines, including some diuretics and other medications.
Nerve problems, including diabetic nerve damage.
Kidney problems or mineral/electrolyte abnormalities.
Reduced blood flow to the legs, including peripheral artery disease.
M
Mayo Clinic
+1
What you can do when a cramp strikes
Gently stretch the cramped muscle, pull your toes upward toward your face if it’s a calf cramp, massage the area, or walk around. Heat can also help relax the muscle.
M
Mayo Clinic
If cramps are happening frequently, disrupting your sleep, or accompanied by swelling, numbness, weakness, skin changes, or persistent pain, arrange a medical evaluation.
M
Mayo Clinic
+1
Important: Don’t assume nighttime cramps mean you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency and start supplements on your own. The cause isn’t always a nutrient deficiency, and the right treatment depends on what’s causing the cramps.
M
Sources
