Identification
Night leg cramps are sudden and involuntary tightening of one or more muscles. These contractions do not necessarily occur at night, but when a person is resting for an extended time period. Night leg cramps usually occur in the back of the lower leg, although they also can happen in the thigh or foot. They can be forceful, causing intense pain and inability to use the leg or foot. Night leg cramps typically last anywhere from a minute to several minutes, and can happen several times a week. They are most prevalent in middle-aged and older adults, but anyone can experience these cramps, even children.
Sleep Movements
Cramps sometimes begin simply because the person makes a movement that shortens the affected muscle, such as pointing a big toe down and away from the foot. This can cause cramping in the foot or calf. According to physician Gabe Mirken, reporting for CBS News, people sometimes exaggerate a normal muscle reflex during sleep, such as contracting the , which then stay contracted and cause pain. These sorts of sleep cramps can be prevented by exercising and stretching the calf muscles before going to bed, such as by doing wall push-ups.
Electrolytes
According to the Mayo Clinic website, night leg cramps can be caused by low electrolyte levels or abnormal processing of electrolytes. Electrolytes are chemical substances essential for muscle function and other bodily processes. Decreased potassium, in particular, is associated with night leg cramps, but decreased magnesium, calcium and sodium can cause problems as well. People experiencing leg cramps might want to consider electrolyte supplements such as vitamin pills that include minerals, or sports drinks. Dehydration can cause electrolyte depletion, too.
Exercise
Exercising in a different way or more often also can cause night leg cramps. People who are overweight, particularly obese individuals, are more likely to develop these cramps. Becoming dehydrated during exercise can cause cramping even many hours later.
Medications and Disorders
The Mayo Clinic also notes that certain medications can cause night leg cramps. These include the bronchodilator albuterol, diuretics, statins, calcium channel blockers and antipsychotics. An overabundance of niacin, or vitamin B3, also can cause this problem. Other causes of night leg cramps include pregnancy, diabetes and neuromuscular conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
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