We often sleep with our feet and toes extending away from the rest of our bodies, a position called plantar flexion. This shortens the calf muscles, making them more susceptible to cramping. Leg cramps at night are unlikely to be the first sign of a more serious medical condition. They are, however, associated with the following conditions:.
If frequent cramps are disrupting your sleep, make an appointment with your doctor. They might prescribe a muscle relaxant to prevent cramps. If your cramps are related to another medical condition, they can help manage that too.
Stretching the calf and hamstring muscles before bed may help to prevent nocturnal leg cramps. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, such as your legs and arms. Learn more about the symptoms and causes of poor circulation. There are a variety of reasons why you may feel calf pain when you walk. Some causes are due to common muscle conditions, like cramps or strains…. Doctors call leg pain that comes and goes intermittent claudication. Most causes are due to affected blood flow.
Learn about all potential causes…. Night leg cramps, AKA nocturnal leg cramps, can be a nightmare if you get them. Leg cramps are characterized by abrupt, uncomfortable and even painful spasms that can affect the calf muscles and thighs but can also involve your feet. They can occur when you are awake, but most often they occur at night. You may wonder then what could be causing these unwelcome wake-up calls.
Lee-Iannotti added. Many people confuse nocturnal leg cramps with another condition known as restless leg syndrome , RLS. Like RLS, leg cramps most often occur at rest. The difference, however, is that leg cramps produce muscle tightening, cramping and pain. While it can be a bit of trial and error, here are seven home remedies you can try to help relieve discomfort and potentially stop painful wake-up calls.
Lee-Iannotti said. Find relief with a Banner Health specialist, by visiting bannerhealth. By Regan Olsson , Contributing Writer. In general, night leg cramps are likely to be related to muscle fatigue and nerve problems. The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age.
Pregnant women also have a higher likelihood of having night leg cramps. Several conditions, such as kidney failure and diabetic nerve damage, are known to cause night leg cramps.
But if you have one of these, you're most likely aware of it and have symptoms other than night leg cramps. People who are taking certain medications, such as certain diuretics, might be more likely to have night leg cramps, although it's not known if there's a direct connection. Restless legs syndrome RLS is sometimes confused with night leg cramps, but it's a separate condition.
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.
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