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Nocturnal leg cramps are often harmless and caused by dehydration, muscle fatigue, and poor circulation. They are more common in older adults and pregnant women. Certain conditions and medications can also cause leg cramps. Preventative measures include increasing water intake, stretching, and following a high potassium diet. Persistent and severe leg cramps may require medical attention.
Nocturnal leg cramps, also known as charley horses or nocturnal leg cramps, are often harmless. They are usually caused by dehydration, muscle fatigue and/or poor circulation due to lack of movement. The incidence of leg cramps at night increases with age and is more common in pregnant women. In some cases, nocturnal leg cramps are associated with conditions such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, Parkinson’s disease, and thyroid imbalance. Certain medications and chemical imbalances can also cause nighttime leg cramps.
In most people, a charley horse is no cause for concern. Activities that cause muscle fatigue and dehydration will increase the likelihood of having leg cramps at night. Inadequate water intake or excessive consumption of fluids such as caffeine and alcohol often lead to dehydration. Overexerting the muscles in an athletic sport or home activity can also increase the likelihood of nocturnal leg cramps. The simple act of resting in one position for too long can lead to leg cramps at night.
Night leg cramps are sometimes experienced by people with specific illnesses. Diabetics often experience nerve damage that can lead to leg cramps. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease often experience sudden or severe nocturnal leg cramps. A thyroid imbalance and hypoglycemia are other conditions that sometimes lead to leg cramps.
Leg cramps at night can also be caused by chemical imbalances. Some medications can cause this problem, such as those used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Morphine and lithium can also cause leg cramps. Other chemical imbalances in the body can be the result of a dietary deficiency of potassium, magnesium or calcium.
Leg cramps are often not caused by a serious illness or chemical imbalance. In these cases, the problem can be prevented by increasing your water intake and stretching your muscles before bed. When leg cramps, massaging the affected area and moving the leg will help ease the pain. Following a high potassium diet consisting of foods such as bananas, potatoes and oranges will also help control the problem.
If your nocturnal leg cramps are persistent, severe, and accompanied by muscle weakness, you may need to see your doctor. A doctor usually orders blood tests to check for chemical and hormone imbalances. He will probably also check to make sure there are no serious traffic problems. Treatments usually involve addressing the underlying cause of the problem, particularly if the cramps are caused by a specific disease or imbalance.
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