About this topic
Leg cramps happen when the muscles in your leg or foot stiffen. This causes a tight, intense pain. Cramps most often happen at night and wake you up from your sleep. They may last from a few seconds to 15 minutes or longer. Calf muscles are most often involved. The cramps are common and are not serious. ‚
What care is needed at home?
Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. ‚
When you get a cramp, these things may help the muscle that is cramping. Try: ‚
- Stretching. Try pulling your toes back toward your head on the leg that is cramping. This will often help cramps in your calf or the back of your upper leg. For a cramp in the front of your upper leg, try pulling your heel toward your buttock.
- Massaging the muscle that is cramping.
- Placing an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Heat can help relax sore muscles. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Relax muscles
- Help with pain
Will physical activity be limited?
Regular exercise helps to stop cramps from happening. Be sure to ask your doctor before you start any physical activity. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Drink 6 to 8 eight ounce (8 oz) glasses of fluids a day.
- Eat foods high in potassium. These include bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, oranges, and grapefruit.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stretch three times a day and just before going to bed. Your doctor can show you how to do the stretching.
- Do not let your toes point downwards.
- Support your toes while sleeping. Hang your feet over the end of the bed or prop your feet up.
- Keep your blankets and bedding loose.
- Wear shoes with good support.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Your cramps are not getting better or you feel worse
- You have any concerns about your condition
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if my leg cramps do not get better.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00200 ‚
American Osteopathic Association ‚
http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/general-health/Pages/muscle-cramp.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚