Nighttime Leg Cramps? Let’s Reveale The Reasons And Get Solutions

[LoShiNi]

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a cramp, then you know there are few feelings as acutely uncomfortable as that.

We all understand what we feel when we experience simple pain, the kind when we stub our toe or cut ourselves shaving. It’s powerful and annoying, but generally goes away quickly.

Cramps, on the other hand, are another matter entirely.

Because it is caused by muscle spasms, the pain doesn’t go away immediately. It twists, increases, and surprises you when you least expect it. Worst of all, you feel powerless. If you’ve experienced muscle tension, you may be able to resolve the issue by stretching the muscles. But what happens when the spasm happens out of nowhere?

That’s the problem with the infamous “Charley horse”, a colloquial term used to refer to a muscle spasm in the legs or feet, generally occurring in the middle of the night.

It’s very uncomfortable, but luckily it won’t last very long. That’s because there are many ways of identifying what is causing it and come up with the perfect solution!

Do you often experience cramps in your legs?

What are leg cramps?

A leg cramp, according to WebMD, is a painful muscle spasm in the calf, thigh, or foot.

The term “Charley Horse” is used because the cramp sensation feels like receiving a “horse kick” in the leg.

Generally, most people experience these painful sensations at night, usually approaching the time of waking up.

Something about movement, between the states of being asleep and awake, seems to trigger these muscle spasms.

What causes leg cramps?

Cause # 1: Dehydration

Another main cause of cramp? Dehydration.

Whether you simply haven’t been drinking enough water, or you’ve been sweating it out in the sun or on a treadmill, when you lose water, you also lose electrolytes.

Electrolytes help control muscle contractions and impulses. When you’re exhausted, you can feel more muscle spasms than usual.

Cause # 2: You’re cold

This is a tricky one, because many of us like to feel a little cold while we sleep. In fact, it’s better for our sleep cycle to have a lower temperature in the bedroom.

Having said that, if you open the window a little, or turn on the fan, make sure your legs are covered.

It’s not totally clear why the cold causes cramp, but it may be related to the fact that lower temperatures cause muscles to contract and tighten, making them less flexible.

Cause # 3: Being on your feet all day

If you work on your feet all day, which is basically the same as exercising, except you probably don’t stretch beforehand.

Being on your feet all day and carrying heavy objects can exhaust the legs and tighten those muscles throughout the day. That increases the chances of suffering from cramp later on.

This goes double if you happen to wear high heels, like many saleswomen.

Cause # 4: Exercise

It’s understandable that exercise can have repercussions for the muscles later on.

In the long term, exercise is a good thing, since it strengthens the muscles and makes them less susceptible to cramp.

Having said that, during the time following exercise, you may be more vulnerable due to exhaustion and muscle pain after exercising.

How to prevent leg cramps?

Solution # 1: Take a bar of soap

Were you looking for a medical mystery? Because we have one.

Nobody knows why, but thousands swear that nothing is better for solving nighttime cramps than putting a bar of soap between the mattress and the fitted bed sheet.

There doesn’t appear to be any brand in particular which is more effective than others. Many people think it’s just a placebo effect.

We have heard the story of the dog with arthritis who reaped the benefits of the soap after sleeping in his owner’s bed. However, we’re inclined to think there might be something real in this one.

Solution # 2: take a hot shower

There is a reason we call it “warming up” when we do those stretches before training.

Muscles actually perform better when they’re warm, and taking a steamy shower could be the solution to alleviate muscle pain. Plus, the pressure of the water can act as a kind of massage.

Of course, while the heat and humidity will help you regardless, it could be even better if you soak only the affected area. Or, take a bath where you don’t put any additional pressure on the muscle.

Solution # 3: Drink pickle juice

I can almost hear you saying, “that’s disgusting!” But, bear with me on this one.

Pickle juice is full of salt, which is one of the first things we lose when we sweat.

Reintroducing a burst of salt, sugar and vinegar can help the body recover lost nutrients and improve its ability to control muscle contractions.

Solution # 4: Eat a banana

This is an old trick which dancers follow religiously. Given the intensity of their training, they probably know a thing or two about muscle cramps.

If you have cramp or are afraid of suffering from cramp, eat a banana! This delicious fruit is full of potassium, which is another micro-nutrient responsible for helping the muscles contract and move without pain.

Do any of these symptoms sound like something you, or somebody you know, are experiencing?

If so, now you know the reasons why, and you have the solutions. Of course, if the symptoms remain, it’s always best to consult a doctor.