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A muscle cramp is an involuntary, sustained tightening (contraction) of one or more of your muscles. It can result in intense pain and an inability to use the affected muscles. Night leg cramps are contractions of the leg muscles, usually in the back of the lower leg (calf). They often occur just as you're falling asleep or just as you're waking up.
The exact cause of night leg cramps isn't known. Some experts believe they may be due to abnormal processing of electrolytes — essential elements and chemical substances your body needs for basic functions — by muscles. Almost everyone has occasional leg cramps. But they occur most often in older adults. Common causes of night leg cramps include:
Muscle overexertion
Prolonged sitting
Dehydration
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Decreased potassium levels
Neuromuscular disorders, such as Parkinson's disease
Certain medications, such as albuterol, niacin, diuretics, and some calcium channel blockers and antipsychotic medications
Alcohol use
If you do get a leg cramp, you may be able to make it go away by:
Walking on the affected leg
Massaging the affected muscle
Straightening your leg and flexing your foot toward your knee until you feel the calf muscles stretch
Applying a cold pack to the affected muscle
Taking a hot bath
To help prevent night leg cramps:
Drink plenty of fluids during the day
Stretch your leg muscles before bedtime
If you have frequent and severe leg cramps at night, talk to your doctor. Treatment results vary. But the most effective treatments based on current research are:
Quinine
Vitamin B-12
Gabapentin
Night leg cramps should be distinguished from another common cause of night leg discomfort called restless legs syndrome, a condition in which your legs have a creepy, crawly or fidgety sensation unless you move them. This sensation often gets worse as night approaches. Restless legs syndrome is a neurologic condition that requires different treatment from that of night leg cramps.
2006-07-10 18:30:34
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answer #1
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answered by mallimalar_2000 7
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Everyone always told me I got foot cramps because my feet were growing...which was true. I went from a size 9 to an 11 in a year.
Potassium helps cramps too.
2006-07-11 01:29:14
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answer #2
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answered by skillet 3
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Your body could be lacking potassium. On the other hand whenever that's happened to me I was pregnant.
2006-07-11 01:26:44
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answer #3
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answered by barbara r 2
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jumping , or the heels to high on your shoes.Possibly flat footed ,maybe you need a shoe that has good support.
2006-07-11 01:36:41
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answer #4
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answered by Gypsy 4
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lack of potassium....u can either take the vitamin or eat some bananas
2006-07-11 01:26:27
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answer #5
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answered by tbtt&b 1
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flip flops, and alot of walking in unsupportive shoes
2006-07-11 01:26:01
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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EITHER LOW BLOOD CIRCULATION OR SLIP DISC
2006-07-11 01:27:24
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answer #7
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answered by gkakkasseri 4
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not enough pottasiamm
2006-07-13 18:29:14
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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I dunno, but eat bananas, potassium helps avoid cramps.
2006-07-11 01:25:01
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answer #9
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answered by Jon 2
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