Many of us have had this dreaded experience: you’re asleep or lying in bed, minding your own business, when all of a sudden you feel an excruciating, twisting, tightening, pain in one of your calves. This is sometimes called a “charley horse” – another term for a leg cramp, spasm or contraction that happens while you’re sleeping.
These are just one type of leg cramp. Leg cramping can have many causes. So to find out what you need to know about leg cramps, we spoke with Dr. Shad Marvasti, MD, MPH, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based board-certified family medicine doctor, a member of the HonorHealth Medical Grou and the Medical Director of Integrative Medicine at HonorHealth.
What causes leg cramping?
So what is happening to your legs during that ghastly midnight episode? You can probably blame your nerves. “Leg cramps can occur due to abnormal nerve activity during sleep,” says Marvasti.
But the causes of leg cramps are wide-ranging.
Muscle cramping can be a sign that there are imbalances in your body’s levels of certain minerals. “Leg cramps commonly occur when there is too little calcium, potassium or magnesium in the diet,” explains Marvasti. “Most patients that I see benefit from low dose supplementation of magnesium for leg cramps and by ensuring adequate potassium and calcium in their diets,” he adds.
Leg cramps may also be a complication of rigorous exercise. Marvasti explains that leg cramps may occur because of “excessive strain placed on muscles of the leg during exercise due to a sudden restriction of blood supply to the muscles involved.”
How serious is leg cramping?
“Leg cramping is not serious when it occurs occasionally and is relieved by rest or replenishing the minerals that are low. If it does persist, then it should be evaluated further by your doctor,” assures Marvasti.
How can you treat leg cramps?
The Mayo Clinic says that your medical provider may be able to show you stretching exercises that can relieve some of the tightness in your muscles. Additionally, they say that applying cold or heat may help relieve some of the pain associated with the cramps. They also recommend drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated, as dehydration can increase your risk of getting muscle cramps.
In cases where the cramps are making it difficult to sleep, your doctor may be able to prescribe something that makes those muscles relax.
If the “charley horses” or other leg cramps become frequent, it’s important to talk to your doctor about further evaluation and treatment.
More of your health questions answered, here:
It’s complicated:Is vitamin water actually good for you?
The amount may surprise you:How much potassium do you need per day?
Minerals:Calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and what to know.
More:What are trace minerals? And how to get them.
