Magnesium supplements: This is a supplement that's available OTC, which has been shown to be helpful for people that are pregnant and experiencing leg pain at night. Calcium channel blockers: This includes medications like diltiazem and verapamil.
A doctor will not usually recommend medication for the routine treatment of leg cramps due to there being very little evidence of the medicines working. However, in some cases, a doctor may consider medications such as: carisoprodol. diltiazem.
"Stretching and hydration are really the best ways to prevent the benign muscle cramps that occur at rest or with exercise," adds Dr. Ondo. "And if you're noticing other symptoms accompanying your muscle cramps, that's when it's time to consult a doctor."
Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in the diet can cause leg cramps. Medicines often prescribed for high blood pressure can cause increased urination, which may drain the body of these minerals.
You probably know that bananas are a good source of potassium. But they'll also give you magnesium and calcium. That's three out of four nutrients you need to ease muscle cramps tucked under that yellow peel. No wonder bananas are a popular, quick choice for cramp relief.
It's been suggested that drinking 2 to 3 ounces of tonic water before bedtime can prevent leg cramps at night.
But if your symptoms persist even after at-home remedies, it could be more than just leg pain—it could be your heart. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that is marked by limited blood flow to the limbs, particularly your legs, as a result of plaque buildup in your arteries.
In general, they're likely the result of tired muscles and nerve problems. The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age. Pregnant people also are more likely to have night leg cramps. Kidney failure, diabetic nerve damage and problems with blood flow are known to cause night leg cramps.
Since magnesium plays a role in neuromuscular transmission and muscle contraction, it has been hypothesised that magnesium deficiency may predispose to muscle cramps. Thus magnesium supplements are often recommended to prevent cramps.
Dark, Leafy Greens
Greens are among the more unexpected foods that deliver minerals that might help with muscle cramps. These are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium that can help replenish low levels of these minerals. Hunnes adds that they can also help with hydration since they're also full of water.
Acetic acid is postulated to mitigate cramping by decreasing alpha motor neuron activity through oropharyngeal stimulation and inhibitory neurotransmitter production, while aiding in the role acetylcholine plays in muscle contraction and relaxation.
If you only get leg cramps occasionally, it is not a cause for concern and a medical diagnosis is not required. A visit to your GP will only be necessary if you get leg cramps frequently, or if they are so painful they disrupt your sleep and you are unable to function normally the next day.
Swollen legs, ankles, or feet: When your veins can't push blood upward towards your heart, it can collect in your lower extremities. This blood pooling puts extra pressure on the area, causing fluid buildup and swelling. Muscle cramping: Inconsistent blood flow may lead to muscle cramps, aches, and pains.
High blood pressure can lead to peripheral arterial disease (PAD), where narrowing of the blood vessels restricts the blood flow to the legs and feet, causing pain.
Try sleeping on your back with a pillow behind your knees. Avoid heavy or tucked-in bedding. This could push your feet downward while you sleep. Choose loose, untucked sheets and a comforter that will allow you to keep your feet and toes upright while you sleep.
People who suffer from muscle and leg cramps often compare them to a lightning strike because they occur suddenly and cause overwhelming pain. Cramps can affect our day-to-day functioning and can wake us from a sound sleep. They are often caused by an acute magnesium deficiency.
Meaning This trial suggests that magnesium oxide is not significantly better than placebo for alleviating nocturnal leg cramps. Importance Magnesium supplements are widely marketed for prophylaxis of nocturnal leg cramps (NLC) despite no evidence of significant benefit.