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Take medicines called diuretics (also called "water pills " �)Are on dialysis (a kind of treatment for kidney disease)Sweat too muchExercisingHaving certain conditions " � For example, Parkinson disease, diabetes, or low thyroidBeing pregnant " � Some pregnant women do not have enough of the mineral magnesium in their blood. This can cause leg cramps.Taking certain medicines
Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? " � Yes. Things you can try include: � �
- Riding a stationary bike for a few minutes before bed " � If you normally get little exercise, this might help.
- Doing stretching exercises (picture 1)
- Wearing shoes with firm support, especially at the back of your foot around your heel
- Keeping bed covers loose at the foot of your bed and NOT tucked in
- Drinking plenty of water, especially if you take diuretics. (Do this only if your doctor or nurse has not told you to limit the amount of water you drink.)
- Limiting the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink
- Staying cool when you exercise, and NOT exercising in very hot weather or hot rooms
If you get a cramp, slowly stretch the cramped muscle. To prevent more cramps, you can try: � �
- Walking around or jiggling your leg or foot
- Lying down with your legs and feet up
- Taking a hot shower with water spraying on the cramp for 5 minutes, or taking a warm bath
- Rubbing the cramp with ice wrapped in a towel
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � See a doctor or nurse if: � �
- You wake up several times a night with leg cramps
- Your cramps keep you from getting enough sleep
- Your cramps are very painful
- You have cramps in other parts of your body, such as your upper back or belly
Are there tests I should have? " � Probably not. Your doctor or nurse will talk with you about your symptoms and do an exam to find out what could be causing your nighttime leg cramps. Depending on your symptoms and exam, you might also need some blood tests. � �
How are nighttime leg cramps treated? " � Treatment is different for everyone. Most people have to try a few different things before they find a treatment that helps them. � �
Treatment options include: � �
- Making lifestyle changes " � For example, exercising differently, doing stretching exercises, wearing shoes with good support, or drinking enough fluids
- Taking supplements " � Supplements are pills, capsules, liquids, or tablets with minerals or vitamins your body needs. Tell your doctor or nurse about any minerals, vitamins, or herbal medicines you already take.
- Stopping any medicines you take that could cause cramps. But do not stop taking any medicine unless your doctor or nurse says it is OK.
- Medicines - Taking prescription medicines that improve sleep, relax muscles, calm overactive nerves, or help in other ways. Doctors and nurses prescribe medicines for nocturnal leg cramps only when other types of treatment do not work.
What if my child gets nocturnal leg cramps? " � Nocturnal leg cramps are common in children. Talk to your child's doctor or nurse if your child: � �
- Has leg cramps often
- Cannot sleep well because of leg cramps
Nocturnal leg cramps can run in families. Tell your doctor or nurse if someone else in your family also has nocturnal leg cramps. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 17181 Version 3.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
picture 1
How to stretch the backs of your legs
Stand facing the wall, feet together, about 2 feet from the wall. With your heels firmly on the floor and your shoulders, hips, and knees lined up straight, lean forward into the wall. This should stretch the backs of your legs. Hold this position for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat 5 times each session, at least twice a day.
Graphic 63450 Version 1.0
View Originalpicture 1
How to stretch the backs of your legs
Stand facing the wall, feet together, about 2 feet from the wall. With your heels firmly on the floor and your shoulders, hips, and knees lined up straight, lean forward into the wall. This should stretch the backs of your legs. Hold this position for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat 5 times each session, at least twice a day.
Graphic 63450 Version 1.0
View Original
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