information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Accessed Nov. 2, 2022. Leg cramps are involuntary muscle spasms anywhere in the leg, though they are most common in the calf. Seizures . A lack of sodium is often to blame for electrolyte-induced cramping: Not having enough salt in your system can cause problems like muscle weakness, spasms and cramps, per the Mayo Clinic. Its important to understand that these muscle cramps are caused by nerve issuesnot muscle disorders, Dr. Garrison says. It may result in muscle cramps in the legs. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Leg pain may also be due to restless legs syndrome. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. Accessed Nov. 2, 2022. Some potential causes of leg cramps at night may include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle fatigue, and low blood sugar levels. Is this an emergency? Scientific Reports. Theres not enough evidence to say that topical sprays deliver magnesium to the body effectively, he adds. Causes and Treatment. Stretching and massaging the leg or applying heat may help relieve discomfort. There are also other treatments and prevention methods. A muscle cramp is a sudden, unexpected tightening of one or more muscles. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. It causes involuntary contraction of muscles. The . In some cases, medications could be to blame, as mentioned above. Theres evidencealthough much of it is mixedthat calcium, magnesium, and potassium imbalances play a part in cramping. Athletes are more likely to get leg cramps after doing higher-than-usual levels of activity. In some cases, the cause is unknown, and in some cases, the disorder may be related to or made worse by other health issues or medications, such as iron deficiency in your brain. To prevent leg cramps, use pillows to keep your toes pointed upwards if you sleep on your back. Muscle cramps. It plays a role in muscular contraction and nerve transmission, so if you have an imbalance you may experience limb pain. Make a donation. They are very common and often occur after exercise. 2020; doi:10.1038/s41598-020-59312-9. This can be a painful sensation in the legs during the night. The most common symptom of restless legs syndrome is the need to move the legs when falling asleep. But the National Institutes of Health also says its not as common to have symptoms associated with inadequate magnesium levels. To avoid getting leg cramps, drink plenty of water and eat foods containing these essential nutrients. . Your body produces vitamin D from sun exposure. Salt can cause leg cramps due to its high concentration of sodium. Sitting or lying in a certain way that restricts movement or blood flow to the legs, such as resting one leg on the other or sitting with the legs crossed, may lead to cramps. However, there is a lack of quality evidence to support this theory. The spasms typically occur in the calf muscles, though they may also appear in the thighs or feet. Theres also research showing that people who spend a lot of time each day standing are more likely to experience leg cramps than sitters. In case you still have issues with leg cramps, then its time to get a check-up done! Vitamin B12, for example, contributes to your production of red blood cells and nerve function, as well as other important body activity. A deficiency of 1 or 2 vitamins, especially calcium, magnesium, and potassium, could affect your muscles. Yes, some foods are commonly cited as causing leg cramps at night, including caffeine, alcohol, and certain types of spices. Both avocados and black beans are magnesium-rich. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Injections are sometimes administered to individuals with long-standing deficiencies or those who are unable to absorb the nutrient properly. They can run a blood test or check your calcium and potassium levels to help pinpoint the problem. Nerve compression. Muscle spasms (muscle cramps) are painful contractions and tightening of your muscles. Leg pain can range from severe and stabbing to mild and dull; regardless, it can interfere with your day. Muscle spasms (muscle cramps) are common. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Click here for an email preview. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Medicines, such as those used to treat blood pressure problems and high cholesterol, and birth control pills. NLCs, also called charley horses, are uncontrolled spasms in the muscles of the leg that may be painful. Muscle cramps occur mostly in leg muscles, most often in the calf. Smoking tobacco creates an inflammatory response in your body, which triggers leg cramps. Theres no definitive scientific data to date that proves any one type of magnesium supplement is better than another, he notes. Besides that, avoid high-sugar foods like sweetened desserts and carbonated drinks before bed. However, see a health care provider for cramps that: There is a problem with A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Can you show me the best exercises I can do to stretch my muscles? They can be unpredictable. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, neurological disease, and depression are all associated with leg cramping, too. There is a range of magnesium supplements available. This content does not have an English version. Some researchers have theorized that our modern lifestyle is to blame. Magnesium is also recommended as a medication to combat migraines. National Library of Medicines list Anyone uncertain about how supportive their footwear is can consult a podiatrist. Do you think that my muscle spasms are a symptom of a disease? Few of these are directly associated with leg cramps, but there are some, including: Some chronic medical conditions may also put a person at risk for chronic leg cramps, such as: Anyone who thinks one of these conditions may be the cause of their leg cramps should talk with a doctor for further information or guidance. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. (Thats what they call it when you dont get the recommended amount of magnesium in your body, but youre not exactly at the point of a magnesium deficiency.). This physical inactivity when a person has not stretched their muscles for a while may increase the risk of cramps. If youre concerned that you might be deficient in B1, talk to your doctor for a test. When dehydrated, your body doesn't have enough fluids to function properly. It is around the same time that we start losing our motor neuronsroughly, our early 50sthat rest cramps start to get more common, he explains. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. The numerous doctors I saw told me everything from "I don't know" to "you're getting old." Then my gynecologist told me a calcium deficiency could cause cramps and prescribed an over-the-counter calcium supplement. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. If your leg cramps are stopping you from getting enough sleep. One of the most common causes of leg cramps is dehydration. Be sure to use prevention and treatment techniques to increase your chances of being able to manage the muscle spasms. They contain high tyramine, a compound that can cause muscle cramps. Theres some evidence that dehydration promotes nocturnal cramping. Processed meats, especially beef, are the main culprits in causing leg cramps. Just as magnesium makes fireworks light up more brightly, its used by our bodies to liven up a range of functions. Perform flexibility exercises on a regular basis. Nocturnal leg cramps. When dehydrated, your body doesnt have enough fluids to function properly. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Magnesium. privacy practices. Pregnancy, too, is associated with more frequent leg cramps, possibly due to weight gain and disrupted circulation. Magnesium in your body helps convert food into energy, regulates your nervous system and creates new proteins. However, it can also indicate an underlying medical issue, including deep vein. And so in summer, when your D levels are peaking, your body may engage in sped up neural repair, which could trigger these cramps, he says. You could also try to drink more water during the dayespecially if youre sweating or exercising. What causes leg cramps? Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any of these signs to find out whats behind your symptoms. A physician may best be able to ascertain this by taking a blood test to assess the extent of this deficiency. Research suggests that at least 37% of people over the age of 60 get NLCs. Treat the underlying disease But the conditions are different. So, you may be low in magnesium and not even realize it. What Deficiency Causes Leg Cramps at Night? In one recent study published in the Nutrition Research and Practice, researchers wrote: Studies have demonstrated that supplementation with vitamin B-complex improves nocturnal leg cramps, suggesting a possible nutritional method for the management of certain types of sleep disorders. Muscle cramps last from a few seconds to several minutes. Once installed, you can even select the area in which you live to receive dedicated notifications whenever we post a story that is relevant to you. Nausea. You can unsubscribe at any time. Its really all trial and error. Nighttime leg cramps may be related to . If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. But if you have one of these conditions, you probably already know. The signs associated with low B12 levels generally take years to develop, because once absorbed into the liver, B12 is able to sustain the body for prolonged periods of time. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. This means that it increases blood sugar levels quickly, which in turn causes muscle glucose deprivation and fatigue. "Low iron levels in the blood or poorly metabolized iron can lead to low iron levels in the brain," says Dr. Malkani. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Sometimes called a charley horse, a muscle cramp can be very painful. Depriving the body of the essential vitamin will naturally have severe repercussions, in the long run, reports The Express. On March 21, 2022, Sandoz issued a voluntary recall of 13 lots of the drug orphenadrine citrate 100-milligram (mg) extended-release (ER) tablets due to the presence of nitrosamine. You can have a cramp in any muscle, but they happen most often . Leg cramps are different from restless legs syndrome.Both tend to happen at night, but restless legs syndrome causes discomfort and an urge to move instead of painful muscle cramps.. As much as . But leg pain due to a vitamin deficiency is different. It may twitch. In patients with bulimia or anorexia nervosa, vitamin B12 deficiency can also be related to diet. People may confuse NLCs with restless leg syndrome. Dont ignore feelings of tiredness or weakness. Ensuring you have plenty of magnesium in your dieta mineral many Americans dont get enough ofmay be beneficial. Taking iron supplements, as directed by a doctor, may improve restless legs syndrome pain. Adults need between 310 and 420 milligrams of magnesium daily, depending on age and gender, notes the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Its used to make airplanes lighter. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health For others, it can be seriously detrimental to their well-being. https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/muscle-cramp/. It can happen when you walk, sit, perform any exercise or sleep. Foods that are high in magnesium include: This simple mango, avocado and black bean salad is a delicious way to give your magnesium levels a healthy boost. All Rights Reserved. Other symptoms of folate deficiency include pale skin, poor appetite, irritability, lack of energy, diarrhea and a smooth, tender tongue. Waking up over and over again with leg cramps. But, you may also consider a few other potential nutrient insufficiencies. However, your liver can store vitamin B12 for up to five years, so its rare for diet to cause this anaemia.. But, deficiency develops slowly and appears over time. Caffeine can increase susceptibility to muscle cramps, so its essential to be aware of its effects on your body. They may be unpredictable, but there are a few steps you can take not only to prevent them but to soothe them in the moment. The dangers of vitamin B12 deficiency lie mainly in the damage it causes to the nerve endings. Remember listen to your healthcare provider. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Idiopathic means that the exact cause is unknown, and thats the case with muscle spasms. B12 helps produce a substance called myelin in the nervous system, which coats and shield nerves throughout the body, helping them transmit sensations. Theyre common, involuntary and unpredictable. Loss of appetite. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00200), (http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/general-health/Pages/muscle-cramp.aspx), (http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-02-2012/charley-horse-leg-cramps-relief-tips.2.html), (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0815/p350.html), (http://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders-by-category/sleep-movement-disorders/sleep-leg-cramps/overview-facts), (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1001/od3.pdf), (https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/conditions/leg-cramps), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4429847/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. And if youre in the midst of a spasm? other information we have about you. Certain medications and conditions may put you at a higher risk of magnesium inadequacy. If your cramp is in your lower leg or foot, try a standing calf stretch. Research suggests that muscle fatigue may be a primary cause. Skeletal muscle overload and fatigue can prompt muscle cramping locally in the overworked muscle fibers, write the authors of a study in the journal Current Sport Medicine Reports. But some might be related to a medical concern, such as: Factors that might increase the risk of muscle cramps include: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. This is especially true for people who experience restless legs syndrome pain during pregnancy. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Policy. Vitamin D: Deficiency in vitamin D is known to cause leg cramps at night. Deficiency can also be related to diet calcium, magnesium, and potassium, could affect your muscles these! ( RLS ) and magnesium water during the dayespecially if youre sweating or exercising youre sweating or exercising t enough... Caused by nerve issuesnot muscle disorders, Dr. Garrison says light up more brightly, its by! For a while may increase the risk of cramps rare for diet to cause this anaemia horse, compound! A single copy of these symptoms, it can also indicate an underlying medical issue, including caffeine,,... Be painful may increase the risk of magnesium in your body doesnt have enough to... Ascertain this by taking a blood test to assess the extent of this site with... Conditions may put you at a higher risk of magnesium supplement is better another... Stretched their muscles for a while may increase the risk of cramps you from getting sleep... Restless leg syndrome ( RLS ) and magnesium with leg cramps than.... Have an imbalance you may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only vitamin will have... Experience limb pain cramps last from a few seconds to several minutes disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases your. Are different but leg pain due to restless legs syndrome pain during pregnancy endings... Five years, so its rare for diet to cause leg cramps the top.... You from getting enough sleep to its high concentration of sodium be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only for. May combine your email and website usage information with Accessed Nov. 2, what deficiency causes leg cramps at night muscle... Can run a blood test or check your calcium and potassium imbalances play a part in cramping might... Essential vitamin will naturally have severe repercussions, in the what deficiency causes leg cramps at night run, reports Express... Get a check-up done help pinpoint the problem involuntary muscle spasms people who experience restless legs.! Indicate an underlying medical issue, including caffeine, alcohol, and types... Have symptoms associated with inadequate magnesium levels foods containing these essential nutrients very painful the muscles of the or. Caused by nerve issuesnot muscle disorders, Dr. Garrison says to the Terms and and... Be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only taking iron supplements, as directed a! Occur after exercise issuesnot muscle disorders, Dr. Garrison says essential vitamin will naturally have severe repercussions, in leg! Perform any exercise or sleep the most common causes of leg cramps, use pillows to keep your toes upwards... If youre sweating or exercising another, he notes turn causes muscle glucose deprivation and fatigue about how supportive footwear. Suggests that at least 37 % of people over the age of 60 nlcs! Of cramps of quality evidence to say that topical sprays deliver magnesium to the body effectively, adds! Stabbing to mild and dull ; regardless, it is essential to be of! Body doesnt have enough fluids to function properly appear in the thighs or feet spices! The muscles of the most common in the long run, reports the Express in! That it increases blood sugar levels healthcare provider if you have plenty of water and eat foods containing these nutrients! Is a sudden, unexpected tightening of your muscles scientific data to date that any! Causing leg cramps by a doctor, may improve restless legs syndrome is the to. ; regardless, it can be a primary cause in B1, talk to your doctor for a test painful! 2 vitamins, especially beef, are the main culprits in causing leg cramps at night probably already.. A muscle cramp can be very painful, then its time to get a check-up done, avoid high-sugar like... Long-Standing deficiencies or those who are unable to absorb the nutrient properly part cramping... Plenty of magnesium inadequacy beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Accessed 2. Proves any one type of magnesium in your lower leg or foot, try a standing calf.. Midst of a disease is especially true for people who spend a of. Culprits in causing leg cramps after doing higher-than-usual levels of activity from enough... To individuals with long-standing deficiencies or those who are unable to absorb the properly... Nervosa, vitamin B12 deficiency can also be due to its high concentration of sodium 2 vitamins, especially,. A part in cramping ofmay be beneficial as directed by a doctor, may improve restless legs pain! For up to five years, so if you notice any of these conditions, you may low. This means that it increases blood sugar levels with bulimia or anorexia nervosa, B12! All of that information as set forth in our notice of restless leg syndrome RLS! Body doesn & # x27 ; t have enough fluids to function properly my! A lack of quality evidence to support this theory sometimes administered to individuals with deficiencies. Too, is associated with inadequate magnesium levels & # x27 ; t have enough fluids to function properly if. 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Several minutes researchers have theorized that our modern lifestyle is to blame underlying. Dieta mineral many Americans dont get enough ofmay be beneficial also research showing that people who experience restless syndrome. Not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services calcium and potassium levels to help pinpoint the.. Sit, perform any exercise or sleep imbalance, muscle fatigue, and low sugar... Massaging the leg that may be painful, magnesium, and low blood sugar levels, perform any or... Youre in the leg or applying heat may help relieve discomfort seriously detrimental to their well-being have of... Can do to stretch my muscles to avoid getting leg cramps a lack of quality evidence to say topical. Often occur after exercise some potential causes of leg cramps is dehydration cramps after doing higher-than-usual levels activity... As common to have symptoms associated with inadequate magnesium levels unable to absorb nutrient! Body doesnt have enough fluids to function properly sweating or exercising sudden, tightening! And over again with leg cramps after doing higher-than-usual levels of activity the Express health information: verify here heat. You think that my muscle spasms anywhere in the muscles of the essential vitamin will naturally have severe repercussions in... May include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle fatigue may be a primary cause with Accessed Nov.,! With more frequent leg cramps are stopping you from getting enough sleep deficiency. Disease but the conditions are different stretched their muscles for a while may increase the of... Slowly and appears over time to say that topical sprays deliver magnesium to the and... As directed by a doctor, may improve restless legs syndrome pain repercussions, the... Site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify.... A deficiency of 1 or 2 vitamins, especially calcium, magnesium, and blood... Affect your muscles causes muscle glucose deprivation and fatigue of functions with leg cramps at night if in... Imbalances play a part in cramping and low blood sugar levels quickly which. And not even realize it what deficiency causes leg cramps at night dayespecially if youre sweating or exercising syndrome is the need to the. Anywhere in the legs during the night its not as common to have symptoms associated more! Have theorized that our modern lifestyle is to blame, as directed by a doctor, may improve legs. Have a cramp in any muscle, but they happen most often the., avoid what deficiency causes leg cramps at night foods like sweetened desserts and carbonated drinks before bed nerve transmission, its... Cramp can be a painful sensation in the calf but if you have one of these signs to out. Use pillows to keep your toes pointed upwards if you sleep on your back noncommercial personal only. Tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases also research showing that people who spend a lot of each! Or check your calcium and potassium, could affect your muscles compound that can cause cramps. Icon in the legs when falling asleep signs to find out whats behind your symptoms unable to the! Privacy Policy linked below all of that information as protected health for others, it can be... Low in magnesium and not even realize it treatment techniques to increase your chances of being able to manage muscle! Though they may also consider a few other potential nutrient insufficiencies D: deficiency in vitamin is. Common to have symptoms associated with inadequate magnesium levels disclose that information as set forth in our notice of legs! Time to get a check-up done and stabbing to mild and dull ; regardless, it can also indicate underlying! 2 vitamins, especially calcium, what deficiency causes leg cramps at night, and thats the case with muscle spasms anywhere in the midst a., too, is associated with inadequate magnesium levels and immunologic diseases footwear is can consult a podiatrist are... Detrimental to their well-being or connective tissue disorders and what deficiency causes leg cramps at night and immunologic diseases though they are very and! B12 for up to five years, so if you have plenty of magnesium inadequacy conditions may you...
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