The Nighttime Pain of Muscle Cramps

All of us from time to time have experienced muscleother problems associated with calcium deficiency like
cramps. Muscle cramps occur when the musclesosteoporosis. Calcium supplements may also help
tighten due to overexertion and dehydration. When therelieve a person from leg cramps, if taken on a regular
body does not have enough fluids in the system, it canbasis.
lead to an electrolyte imbalance that can causeDecrease potassium levels, neuromuscular disorders
muscle cramps.such as Paskinson's disease and alcohol use are also
People often get cramps in their calves, thighs,some of the causes of leg cramps. Certain
hamstrings, quadriceps, feet, and just about everymedications, such as albuterol, niacin, diuretics, and
muscle. Cramps may also occur after inactivity, suchsome calcium channel blockers and antipsychotic
as sitting too long in one place without moving anymedications can also cause night leg cramps. Partially
muscle. A person can get a cramp even when lying inobstructed flow of blood to the legs and abnormal
bed.  A cramp can last a few seconds to 15 minutesmineral or hormone levels can also be the causes for
or longer. it might recur multiple times before it actuallypainful muscle cramps at night.
goes away. Muscle cramps can happen anytime ofIf a person suffers form night leg cramps, there are
the day, even during when a person is fast asleep.some practical pain relief methods to make this
This condition is referred to as night leg cramps.annoying condition go away. Try massaging the area
Night leg cramps are a sudden painful cramp in the leg.with ice for no more than ten minutes or until the area
It can be very painful. This happens because the legis bright red, which indicates that blood cells have
muscles contracts, which usually happens in the backreturned to heat the cramped muscle. If ice is too
of the lower leg or calf. Most of the time they usuallyuncomfortable, try heat. Heat improves blood circulation
occur while a person is asleep or sometimes when aand makes muscles more flexible. Some people find
person is about to wake up.that heat is more soothing for muscle cramps than ice.
Doctors also believe that abnormal processing ofTry a heating pad for 20 minutes at a time or even a
electrolytes lead to such cramp attacks. Electrolyteswarm shower or bath. Make sure to massage the
such as salt and minerals are essential elements thatmuscle following the application of ice or heat on the
our body needs for the maintenance of the basicaffected area.
functions of muscles. Other factors that contribute toDoctors may prescribe muscle relaxants, Benadryl, or
cramping include inadequate stretching and musclevitamin E for the treatment of leg cramps. These
fatigue. Calcium deficiency also cause leg cramps atdrugs are safe but it is best to first consult a physician
night, especially among women. If a woman isbefore taking them. If a person is frequently suffering
post-menopausal, trying to lose weight, or does notfrom leg cramps at night, it is still best to consult a
consume enough calcium, she is susceptible todoctor to get rid of this nocturnal problem that's
developing night leg cramps.creeping and twitching our legs and disturbs people
To alleviate leg cramps, one must have an adequatefrom their good night sleep.
level of calcium consumption. This can also prevent