![]() Leg cramps at night are unlikely to be the first sign of a more serious medical condition. This could lead to cramping in the muscles. The tendons, which connect muscles and bones, shorten naturally over time. According to electromyographic studies, leg cramps are associated with increased, abnormal nerve firing. Research suggests that people who stand for long periods of time at work are more likely to experience nocturnal leg cramps. Sitting with your legs crossed or your toes pointed for long periods of time shortens the calf muscles, which could lead to cramping. Too much exercise can create an overworked muscle and may be associated with muscle cramps. Sitting for long periods of time could make leg muscles more susceptible to cramping. Muscles need to be stretched regularly to function properly. Other factors that may contribute to nighttime leg cramps include: This shortens the calf muscles, making them more susceptible to cramping. We often sleep with our feet and toes extending away from the rest of our bodies, a position called plantar flexion. Nighttime leg cramps may be related to foot position. In most cases, nocturnal leg cramps are idiopathic, which means their exact cause isn’t known. There are, however, known factors that can increase your risk. Leg cramps during sleep are more common among women and older adults.Įxperts don’t know exactly what causes leg cramps at night. Frequent calf cramps at night can disrupt your sleep. Your leg might feel sore or tender for up to a day afterward. Most of the time, the muscle relaxes itself in less than 10 minutes. You can be awake or asleep when a leg cramp strikes. However, they can also affect the muscles at the front of each thigh ( quadriceps) and the back of each thigh ( hamstrings). Leg cramps most often affect the gastrocnemius muscle (calf muscle) which spans the back of each leg from the ankle to the knee. Sometimes referred to as muscle spasms or charley horses, they occur when one or more of the muscles in the leg tighten involuntarily. Sound familiar?Īccording to American Family Physician, nocturnal leg cramps affect up to 60 percent of adults. When you try to move your leg, it feels paralyzed. It doesn’t let up, and your muscle is hard to the touch. The pain is intense enough to make you want to scream. 1992 Sep 152(9):1877–1880.Imagine you’re lying down and your lower leg seizes. A crossover trial of quinine vs vitamin E.
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