What to Do About Leg Cramps at Night

When I was pregnant, I used to wake up frequently with terrible leg cramps, often referred to as a “charley horse.” Leg cramps happen when the muscles of the calf, thigh or foot begin to spontaneously spasm or tighten. The result is a rather painful awakening. Leg cramps can last for a few seconds up to a few minutes.

There is not one specific reason why a person would experience leg cramps. There are a few circumstances which would make someone more susceptible to leg cramps. For instance, excessive exercise, diabetes, pregnancy and certain medications can increase your chances of having nighttime leg cramps. Leg cramps also occur more frequently in adolescents, pregnant women and older adults.

One of the main theories surrounding the onset of leg cramps is dehydration and a lack of calcium, potassium and magnesium. Another is spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of one or more areas of your spine. Doctors also believe that leg cramps can be caused by standing a lot during the day, especially on a hard surface like concrete.

Here are some helpful tips you can apply to avoid getting nighttime leg cramps.

1. Eat a balanced diet including foods high in potassium, calcium and magnesium.

2. Drink plenty of water and limit the amount of alcohol and caffeinated beverages you consume.

3. Gently stretch your calf and thigh muscle before you go to bed.

If you experience chronic legs cramps, it’s best to seek the advice of a medical professional to determine if your leg cramps are a symptom of another underlying condition.