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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Nocturnal leg cramps are a tight, knotted feeling in your legs that happens at night. They can last several seconds to several minutes. If the cramp is severe, your muscle may be sore for days.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 they may hurt, leg cramps are harmless.Experts don't know the exact cause of nighttime leg cramps. They could happen because your nerves send the wrong signals to your muscles. For example, your brain might mistakenly tell your leg to move while you dream. That confuses your calf muscles and causes them to contract.You're more likely to have leg cramps if you:Are 50 or olderWork your muscles too muchSit too long without movingDon't drink enough waterStand too long on hard surfaces Other health conditions can also raise your chances of leg cramps, including:DiabetesNeurological conditions like Parkinson's diseaseAlcohol abuseLow blood sugarSome hormone disorders, such as hypothyroidismToo much or not enough of certain chemicals in your body, such as calcium, potassium, and magnesiumFlat feetPregnancyBlood flow problemsNerve damageTalk to your health care provider about helpful and safe medications if home remedies like staying active, eating a vitamin- and mineral-rich diet, drinking plenty of water, and stretching before exercise don't ease your cramps. Another reason it's wise to consult your doctor: Leg cramps can be a warning sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in which dangerous blood clots form in your leg.Leg cramps and diabetesPeople with type 2 diabetes are highly prone to muscle cramps, particularly in their legs. Such cramps can be severe, even disabling. They most often occur at night. Often, there's no explanation for why your cramps occur. However, possible causes include:Nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, affects about half of people with diabetes. It typically starts in your legs and feet and can trigger cramps as well as sharp pain.Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Diabetes ups your risk of PAD, which causes a fatty substance called plaque to build up and block blood flow in the arteries in your legs. One of the earliest symptoms of PAD is leg cramps.Electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes, which include calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals, help your muscles work properly. When your blood sugar rises, your electrolytes drop. This can cause cramping.Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk to your doctor if you experience regular leg muscle cramps. They could be a warning sign of diabetes.Medications that cause leg cramps at nightSeveral drugs can trigger leg cramps. They include:Albuterol/Ipratropium (Combivent), which is prescribed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Celecoxib (Celebrex), a pain medication commonly prescribed for arthritis pain.Clonazepam (Klonopin), which is used to treat seizure disorders and panic disorderConjugated estrogens (Premarin), which is used to treat hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, as well as to prevent osteoporosis after menopauseDiuretics, also known as water pills, which treat many health conditions, including high blood pressure and heart failureFluoxetine (Prozac), an antidepressantGabapentin (Neurontin), which helps
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