With the advent of unbearable pain in the legs, sleep takes off like a hand – the cramp will drive anyone crazy. Probably, many have experienced this insanely unpleasant sensation more than once. Have you ever wondered why leg cramps occur at night? In fact, there are a lot of reasons for this phenomenon – from taking certain medications – to magnesium and calcium deficiency. Find out why leg cramps occur at night and how to get rid of unbearable burning pain.
Most often, leg cramps occur in the calves and lower legs, sometimes the foot and thigh are involuntarily reduced. Leg cramps are more common among middle-aged and older people, but absolutely all age categories face this phenomenon.
Pain can disturb from a few seconds to 10 minutes, after which they remind of themselves with unpleasant sensations in the muscles.
Leg cramps at night occur due to the fact that at this time in the body there is a slowdown in blood circulation processes, respectively, the necessary elements do not enter the muscles, which provokes convulsions.
Main causes of leg cramps at night
There are two types of seizures – idiopathic and secondary. Idiopathic seizures either occur for no reason, or their causes are not established, and secondary seizures – it is a consequence of a certain disease.
Idiopathic seizures are thought to be triggered by overactive nerve endings or overexertion during sports.
Idiopathic leg cramps at night may be due to impaired blood flow to the leg muscles. In old age, cramps in the legs at night occur due to the fact that the tendons are shortened.
Secondary seizures can be caused by trauma, inflammation, and disease in the tissues. Also, leg cramps at night often haunt people suffering from diabetes and thyroid disorders. Among the common causes of this unpleasant phenomenon are varicose veins and flat feet. Constant stress can also provoke leg cramps at night.
Because of the increase in body weight, which puts additional stress on the muscles, leg cramps at night can disturb women who are carrying a child.
Neurological causes of leg cramps at night:
- motor neurone disorders;
- peripheral neuropathy diseases.
Drugs that can cause leg cramps at night:
- nicotinic acid;
- nifedipine;
- ralokifen;
- diuretics;
- statins.
Night cramps also occur due to a deficiency of magnesium, calcium, vitamin D and an excess of caffeine or nicotine in the body.
How to get rid of leg cramps at night
Adjust your diet. Eat more foods rich in magnesium, calcium, potassium and vitamin D.
Wear proper footwear. Perhaps you should replace your high heels with smaller, more stable ones.
Do not overstretch your legs. Physical activity should be moderate.
Contrast foot shower or bath. Thanks to such measures, it is possible to improve the outflow of blood and prevent the occurrence of cramps in the legs at night.
Massage your legs. If you are constantly bothered by painful leg cramps at night, at the time of the next attack, take the toes of the leg that is cramping with your hands, and while inhaling, pull the fingers towards you. Once the spasm subsides, massage the painful muscle.
If you know effective methods to deal with leg cramps at night, tell us about them in the comments.
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