leg cramps at night

What exactly are night leg cramps?

If you wake up in the middle of the night with a sudden acute pain in your calf muscles as they suddenly go into a tight contraction that you can’t shake off then you can be sure you are suffering from nighttime leg cramps in that area. Not many people know this, but these night leg spasms can happen in the thigh area and in the feet as well.

There are a number of reasons offered as to how or why this condition might occur even though no one is fully agreed on any one of them as being the main primary cause. But with a little research and some professional advice many people have found a remedy that works for them.

When the body’s electrolytes, which are important to muscle function, are out of balance, this is often quoted as the cause of severe night leg cramps. Electrolytes are minerals or salts such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium which often get depleted through perspiration and fluid loss.They need to be kept in proper balance for muscles to work well and without any problems. If the quantity of these essential salts is a little too much or is not enough to maintain proper muscle functioning, severe leg and foot night cramps could be the result. Muscle cramps at night have also been associated with high levels of phosphorous which is usually found in large quantities in processed food, quick snack foods and soda. Reducing the quantity of processed meats, fizzy drinks and snack foods that you consume can go a long way to addressing the problem. A good example of a natural source of potassium that is easily available is the banana.

Another possible cause of muscle spasms and cramps is exercise that is of a high intensity which is associated with muscle fatigue and consequently lower levels of calcium. A lot of energy is needed to support the muscles in constantly contracting during the exercise and this requires a diet rich in appropriate nutrients. Intense exercise uses up stores of calcium more quickly than normal exercise and so, to help prevent leg cramps that are associated with a lot of high intensity exercise, it might be a good idea to up the intake of calcium during these periods.

During pregnancy, as the body is working extra hard too, along with the muscles, in holding up the increased weight as the baby grows, leg muscles can become very tired and start to cramp in the night, preventing a good night’s sleep. Having a little supper before bedtime containing nutrients such as calcium and potassium might work as a good preventative measure. A regular nightcap of bananas and milk could do wonders for those nighttime leg cramps plus a little routine of a few light leg stretches.

Other possible causes of or conditions that have been associated with night leg
cramps and muscle spasms include type 2 diabetes, not enough fluids in the body, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney failure, flat feet, the side effects of some prescribed medications, peripheral artery disease, Parkinson’s disease, an underactive thyroid, Addison’s disease, dehydration,diarrhea and gastric bypass surgery.

With all of these possible causes, some of them more serious than others, aconsultation with a professional health advisor would be preferable to rule out any more serious conditions, before relying on home remedies alone.

More from This Site

• Types Of Stress Treatment
• Toothache Treatment
• Treatment Of Swine Flu
• Restless Leg Natural Cure - Health Info and Tips
• Benefits Of Acne Laser Treatment

Possibly Related Posts:

• Be A Man of Fitness
• Lifetime Fitness: On Your Way to a Healthier You
• LA Fitness in Perspective
• Things to Consider When Buying Home Fitness Equipments
• Health and Fitness