Leg Cramps in Bed

Leg Cramps in Bed

Posted on January 21, 2009 in General Tips

Pain in the muscles is known as leg cramp. It is caused due to a muscle spasm, which occurs when a muscles contracts and becomes hard. Legs cramps are quite common. At times, some drugs and diseases also cause leg cramps. It occurs in the calf muscle, behind and below the knee. It also affects the small muscles of the feet.

The cramp muscle pain generally lasts for10 minutes. The pain levels vary. The muscles can remain tender for about 24 hours since occurring of the leg cramp. Leg cramps occur, generally, in bed when you are resting. They are usually called night cramps. They can keep you awake. The condition can be distressing if your sleep gets disturbed.

Leg cramp occur sometimes in the case of some people. But, generally, they occur in older people. Over 1 out of 3 people in the age group above 60 and 50 % people in the age group of 80s suffer from leg cramps in UK. About 4 out of 10 people suffer from leg cramps at least three times per week. Some people experience them every day.

Causes of Leg Cramps (Leg Cramps in Bed)

Some drugs have side-effects, which cause leg cramps.
Dehydration.
Over exerting the muscles.
Conditions which bring about alterations in the balance of salts .in the bloodstream.
Excess alcohol intake.
Those undergoing renal (kidney) dialysis undergo cramps.
Some types of uncommon nerves disorders.
Pregnancy at the later stage.
An under active thyroid, which is not treated.
Peripheral vascular disease.
Liver cirrhosis
Lead poisoning.
Reduced blood supply.
Muscle and nerve diseases.
Excess weight.

Remedies for leg cramps

Regular calf muscles exercises.
Quinine tablets for those who have leg cramps regularly. Of course, it needs to be the last resort.
Stretching exercises.
Massaging the cramps.
Paracetamol can ease the pain.
Check with the doctor if any of the medications are causing leg cramps.
Comfortable position while sleeping in bed, like popping up the feet on a pillow. Hanging one’s feet over the end of the bed, while sleeping on the front side. Keeping the blankets loose at the foot of the bed to prevent feet and toes from pointing downwards, while sleeping.
One can go in for drugs such as magnesium, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin E, verpamil etc. Consult your doctor.
A hot shower bath to relax the muscle.
Use of cold packs on the muscle that is affected.
Use a heating pad or a towel that is warm to relieve the pain.
Have diet, which is rich in calcium and potassium.
Drink plenty of fluids during and after exercises.

Leg cramps can cause much discomfort and pain. One must sleep in a comfortable posture to prevent them from occurring. Also, one must check out on the medicines, which cause leg cramps.

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Comments

2 Responses to “Leg Cramps in Bed”

Lynne Gawlas Says:
May 30th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
The immediate treatment of a leg cramp is to stand up and put your weight on your legs. This should always be done immediately before the cramp becomes unmanagable.
stephanie fezza Says:
July 1st, 2010 at 7:20 pm
I have been told to stand up (stand on your heel only) and I have found that gives immediate relief.

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Leg Cramps in Bed

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2 Responses to “Leg Cramps in Bed”

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