How do you prevent a calf cramp/ lower leg cramp while sleeping?

Question

Some days, I'm in bed and all of a sudden I feel this intense painful cramp in my calf muscle. So I'm still half asleep and rolling around wildly trying to subdue the pain, which eventually disappears in 2 to 3 minutes normally.

Anyone have suggestions?

Answer 1

It's a "charlie horse", or "nocturnal leg cramps". The only thing that helps me almost immediately is to stand up on it. Once the blood rushes down there, it stops.

Nocturnal leg cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that occur in the calves, soles of the feet or other muscles in the body during the night or (less commonly) while resting. The duration of nocturnal leg cramps is highly variable with cramps sometimes only lasting a few seconds and other times several minutes. Soreness in the muscles may remain for some time after the cramp ends. These cramps are more common in older populations but may happen to anyone.

The precise cause of these cramps is unclear. Potential contributing factors are believed to include low levels of certain minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium), dehydration and prolonged sitting. Less common causes include more serious conditions or use of drugs.

Answer 2

It's very likely a mineral deficiency. Head off to your local health food store and buy a potassium supplement and a calcium supplement. I recommend Veg Life for the calcium supplement. Their Cal-Mag contains both Calcium and Magnesium. A magnesium shortage can also cause calf cramping at night.

Answer 3

Cramps as you describe are often due to lack of/ or low potassium levels. Eat banannas and pop tarts (and other potassium rich foods). I have also found that if you stand up and force the muscle down it will subside much faster. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

You could try using a leg pillow. It's placed between the knees to help keep your spine in line. Sometimes leg cramps can be caused when the spine isn't completely in line (straight). Leg pillows can be found in most department stores for under $20.00. You can also take a regular pillow and fold it over and put it between your knees. It gives just about the same result.

Answer 5

Eat a banana with your dinner every night. The potassium will help prevent cramping.

Answer 6

Eat bananas. Usually 'charlie horses' are due to a lack of potassium.

Answer 7

Don't let anyone sit on your legs or thighs when in bed!!! Don't bend your leg or thigh! Avoid wearing ting clothings! You may want to take a Vitamin called Niacin to increase your circulation. Calcium/Magnesium supplements may help too!

Answer 8

Well, eat some bananas and do some stretches. when that happens while you are a sleep, get out of bed and put your hands on the wall and stretch out your calves.

Answer 9

Your potassium level could be low. Try eating bananas and see if that helps.