what causes leg cramps at night? and how can I get rid of them? (I am not pregnant)?

Answer 1

Leg cramps, or muscle spasms at night, are nearly always relieved by large doses of magnesium. The Mg is a muscle relaxant, and often the spasms indicate a deficiency of certain elctrolytes, most of which are easily replaced with food in a regular diet. All but magnesium. Even if you are not deficient, the natural relaxation provided by that mineral is usually all that is required for the condition. It's best taken in it's citrate or chelate (Key-late) form, and with calcium. You can't overdose on the mineral, and it's safe for any age.

http://www.digitalnaturopath.com/cond/C466089.html
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/10/77.cfm
http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/172897.htm

Perscription and over the counter drugs can also deprive you of minerals, as can caffine, smoking, and other substances.

http://alternative-medicine-and-health.com/conditions/legcramp.htm

Leg cramps may seem severe and difficult to be rid of, but most ppl experience relief on Mg in a few days, and a few bottles later, almost never have a recurrance.

Answer 2

This very uncomfortable situation is called restless leg syndrome, but can also be the symptom of more serious medical issues. It can be caused by a magnesium or potassium deficiency, and that can lead to serious medical consequences.

Please see a physician immediately, so he can determine what to do to help you. Do not try to treat this yourself.

Answer 3

Quickly a couple swigs of molasses -
Read The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies.
Trigger points are knots in the muscles making them tight which in turn causes them to apply pressure to nerves and other places.

Answer 4

The first thing that comes to my mind is RLS. This is affects the legs and you get a crawling feeling mostly in your calves and an irrisistable urge to move. Here is the website for RLS.

Answer 5

in foot ball we drinked gator aid ,,for potassim,,body burns up all the minerals /vitamins ,during game;;;;;

might be low on potasium,,& drink enough water during the day;;
might be low on magnesium or calcium also

too much potassium is bad & not enough is bad,its got too balance, (catalopes,tomatoes,potatoes,etc have potasium)
a quick banana is very good for this this leg cramp;like too much coffee(cafiene)or beer will make you ,urinate & lose these minerals that must be replaced ;

Answer 6

Sometimes it's caused by a calcium deficiency. Are you taking enough?
Sometimes it's from standing too long at one time. Sit for awhile.
There can be other medical causes. See your doctor.

Answer 7

If you're getting charlie horses, you might need more potassium or calcium in your diet, which help with cramps. Eat bananas.

Answer 8

if you retain water it can cause pain or restless leg syndrome, it is a real problem I have it and take a valium at night to help

Answer 9

sometimes growing pains

Answer 10

potassium and massage