From the Mayo Clinic.........
Original
Article:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/night-leg-cramps/AN00499
Night leg cramps: What causes them?
Q.
What causes night leg cramps? What can you do about them?
A.
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 =97 essential
elements and chemical substances your body needs for basic functions =97
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
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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
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To help prevent night leg cramps:
Drink plenty of fluids during the day.
Stretch your leg muscles before bedtime.
Get adequate potassium in your diet.
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:
Vitamin B-12
Gabapentin
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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. The sensation often worsens as night approaches. Restless legs
syndrome is a neurologic condition that requires different treatment
from that of night leg cramps.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Feb. 20, 2007
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AN00499
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