Why Do Legs Cramp At Night

More common in women.

Why do legs cramp at night. Standing or working on concrete floors. Sitting for long periods of time. Night leg cramps also called nocturnal leg cramps are painful involuntary contractions or spasms of muscles in your legs usually occurring when you re in bed. Both tend to happen at night but restless legs syndrome causes discomfort and an.

You may have restless legs syndrome rls. Tight muscles some people just have tight hamstrings or calf muscles. Leg cramps also called charley horses are. If the cramp is in your calf straighten your leg.

Possible causes for leg cramps at night nocturnal leg cramps include. An imbalance in sodium calcium magnesium or potassium could all lead to leg cramping says gerardo miranda comas md associate program director of the sports medicine fellowship at the icahn. Dehydration another common reason is dehydration. Sleeping in an awkward position.

This may sound too simple but daily stretching exercises can really help those people avoid leg pain from tight muscles. Leg cramps at night or nocturnal leg cramps are common and can occur due to inactivity during the day tired muscles or certain medical conditions. Leg cramps are different from restless legs syndrome. Women who are pregnant often have leg cramps during the day and at night.

Treating leg and calf cramps. Flex your foot so that it s lifted to face you and your toes are pointing towards. What are the possible causes of leg cramps. Per the cleveland clinic when your legs cramp nocturnal leg cramps nlc are pains that occur in the legs during the night that usually cause awakening from sleep.

Though nlc most commonly arises while sleeping they may also surface during periods of inactivity. Night leg cramps usually involve your calf muscles although muscles in your feet or thighs might cramp as well. You feel an urge to move your legs at night and at rest and can only relieve it by moving your legs notes nancy foldvary do director of the sleep disorders center. Cramps occur at night during deep sleep.

Leg cramps are not likely to cause. Rubbing the affected muscle may help it relax. Not stretching certain muscles. If the cramp is severe your muscle may be sore for days.

Other experts have observed that when lying face down in bed the foot is often in. Some researchers have theorized that our modern lifestyle is to blame. Use one or both hands to gently knead and loosen the muscle. Here are a few.