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Sleeping comfortably, and you suddenly wake up at midnight with intense leg pain? That’s definitely the cramps. Leg cramps generally last from a few seconds to 10 minutes. However, some people may feel soreness for long hours or even days, which is an unbearable and discomforting situation.
The major question is what causes leg cramps and how to prevent them if they occur. To find out satisfactory answers, delve into this detailed blog post right now!
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Major Causes of Leg Cramps at Night
Let’s check out some notable causes of leg cramps that occur at night.
- Dehydration – Not drinking enough water can result in electrolyte imbalances, which usually trigger muscle cramps. The more imbalanced electrolytes in your body, the more frequent leg cramps become, especially during the night.
- Mineral Deficiencies – Lower levels of minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, in the body can significantly contribute to cramps.
- Over-Exercise – Regularly engaging in strenuous activities and overexertion can lead to muscle fatigue and energy loss, both of which can cause cramping.
- Medication Usage – Some medications, especially diuretics, can increase the risk of cramps in the legs, fingers, and other body parts.
- Pregnancy – During the 9-month-long pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased pressure on blood vessels occur. These changes and blood strains often lead to cramps and body aches.
- Age and Health Conditions – As age grows, the risk of leg cramps tends to rise. Along with age factors, anyone suffering from conditions like restless legs syndrome (RLS), kidney failure, and diabetic nerve damage may experience night cramps.
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Tips to Reduce Discomfort and Prevent Leg Cramps
Here are some crucial tips to reduce discomfort and prevent leg cramps at night.
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Get Immediate Relief
Pull your toes towards your shin if you suffer from a calf cramp. For a thigh cramp, pull your toes towards your buttocks. This way, you can stretch your cramped muscles gently. Massage the affected area softly so you can relax your muscles and offer quick Leg cramp relief.
Use a heating pad or apply a warm towel to your leg; this will soothe tight muscles. If you are looking to reduce intense pain and inflammation, utilize a cold pack or ice.
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Use Remedies
Magnesium supplements can help prevent leg cramps, so take them. It’s wise to consult a healthcare professional and request which supplements will best suit you.
Moreover, drinking detox water can also reduce inflammation in your body. Some people drink pickle juice during their cramp episode to relieve the intense pain in a short interval.
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Focus on How to Prevent Cramps
Keep your body well-hydrated. Aim to drink at least 7 to 8 glasses of water throughout the day. Consider consuming fresh juices of fruits and vegetables to keep your body nourished.
Additionally, avoid sleeping in positions that restrict movement or blood flow to your legs, such as resting one leg on another. Your sheets and blankets must be loose around your feet, allowing for more movement with ease.
Final Words
Doctor consultation is a must. Seek professional advice on what you should do to get relief from leg cramps if you often experience them with persistent pain.