Folate deficiency is listed as a potential reason for restless leg syndrome by StatPearls. If you are deficient in calcium, you may experience muscle cramps and spasms. 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. Some people get muscle cramps, especially leg cramps, at night. When it does arise in the legs, it is often described as a sudden and stabbing pain or deep aching. It causes involuntary contraction of muscles. In a 2017 study, researchers found that about 30% of adults report having NLCs at least five times a month. Maughan RJ, et al. information submitted for this request. 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. Evidence indicates that one calcium-channel blockerdiltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR)is possibly effective. Treating leg cramps at night, in the moment they occur, may help a person get more rest. 8 years of medical experience in Lifestyle-related health disorders. Seizures . Leg cramps can occur in the thigh, calf, or foot. They can run a blood test or check your calcium and potassium levels to help pinpoint the problem. Low levels of vitamin D affect the absorption of calcium. Each of these electrolytes helps maintain fluid balance in the blood and muscles, and so it makes some sense that, if theyre out of whack, cramping may ensue. The spasms typically occur in the calf muscles, though they may also appear in the thighs or feet. Restless leg syndrome is often a compilation among anaemic individuals. According to a study, taking multivitamins rich in magnesium can reduce the severity of leg cramps, especially in pregnant women. Fellowship In Family Medicine UK. The large leg muscles require a lot of blood and oxygen to function. The health website Love to Know reports that the peripheral neuropathy in the legs may feel like "muscle cramps or simple deep leg pain, numbness or tingling. If you eat a vegan or vegetarian diet or have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 from food, you may become deficient. More info. Cramps of pain associated with B12 deficiency-related neuropathy can happen at any time of day - or just at night.. Vitamin B12, in particular, plays an important role in nerve function and muscle health. Muscle cramps. Often, however, the cause isn't known. The . You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any of these signs to find out whats behind your symptoms. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Can vitamin D Deficiency Cause Leg Cramps? Nitrosamine, a known carcinogen with the potential to cause cancer, was found to exist in the drug at levels greater than the acceptable daily intake, as determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Simply reducing your intake of these foods will often help reduce or eliminate your leg cramps. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/sleep-and-wakefulness-disorders/parasomnias?query=parasomnias. After the cramp eases, the area might be sore for hours or days. Magnesium. Choose water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Tonsillitis Food to Avoid: What food to avoid with Tonsillitis? In the meantime, you can try taking a vitamin supplement or eating foods high in thiamine. Some people may notice they have less cramping when they wear more supportive shoes. Stretch frequently including before and after you exercise and before you go to sleep. The online publication StatPearls updated in July 2019 notes magnesium deficiency as a potential reason for restless legs syndrome, too. 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 . .css-1pm21f6{display:block;font-family:AvantGarde,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1pm21f6:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}12 Reasons You Have Swollen Fingers, 10 Signs of Acid Reflux Everyone Should Know, 8 Signs of a Blood Clot You Should Never Ignore, Your Hormones May Be Why You Cant Lose Belly Fat, Everything You Should Know About Hemorrhoids, 8 Things Your Body Hair Says About Your Health. The spasms could be related to underlying factors. This is because calcium helps muscles contract and relax. Click here for an email preview. Dr. Garrisons own research has shown nighttime leg cramps are more common in summer than in winter. Restless leg syndrome can cause cramping, tingling and aching in your legs that's usually relieved only when you get up and walk around. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. "Low iron levels in the blood or poorly metabolized iron can lead to low iron levels in the brain," says Dr. Malkani. Creatinine. A B12 deficiency can cause damage to nerve endings, Sign up to our free email newsletter to receive the latest breaking news and daily roundups, A B12 deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms to look out for but there's one that can occur "just at night.". Elderly people sometimes suffer a shortfall of intrinsic factor, the protein secreted by cells of the stomach lining, making them prone to deficiency. Another term for nighttime leg cramps is charley horse. Spot the warning signs, and learn how to increase your magnesium with food and supplements. Massage the affected area with your hands or a massage roller. But if you have one of these conditions, you probably already know. Increasing your intake of vitamins and minerals should always start with a food-first approach. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Naoki Umeda, MD, a specialist in integrative medicine, answers questions on what you need to know about this important mineral. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. These carbs are typically found in white bread, pasta, rice, and other grains. If you have fluid abnormalities or electrolyte imbalances that youre aware of. Alcohol abuse is an important cause of leg cramps at night. There is some truth to the claim that drinking too many carbonated beverages can lead to leg cramps. A 2017 study reported that up to two-thirds of the American population is magnesium. Your healthcare provider will need to know, in addition to your medical history and medications, information about: When a spasm strikes, you might be exercising, simply sitting or even sleeping in the middle of the night. Accessed Nov. 2, 2022. Theres some evidence that dehydration promotes nocturnal cramping. Smoking tobacco creates an inflammatory response in your body, which triggers leg cramps. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Also, talk to your healthcare provider right away if you have the following symptoms in addition: See your healthcare provider immediately if youre concerned that your muscle spasms are a symptom of an underlying serious medical condition. include protected health information. Loss of appetite. Muscle relaxants, stretching and massage are most likely to help. For women and people assigned female at birth, the recommendation is 310 to 320 mg per day. Muscle cramp. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could NLCs, also called charley horses, are uncontrolled spasms in the muscles of the leg that may be painful. But some of these conditionsnamely diabetes and neurological diseasecan disrupt or even kill your nerves, which may lead to cramping, research shows. Take all prescribed vitamins and medications such as muscle relaxants. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, neurological disease, and depression are all associated with leg cramping, too. This can lead to muscle stiffness and pain, and leg cramps are one of the symptoms that typically occur. Review/update the They are very common, especially in older adults and athletes. A review published in a January 2019 issue of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews showed that iron therapy probably improves the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Sitting improperly. Extreme muscle use Poor blood circulation Alcohol Pregnancy Certain medical conditions Stay away from caffeine and alcohol. What causes RLS? If a magnesium deficiency goes untreated, things can get worse. Muscle cramping during exercise: Causes, solutions, and questions remaining. A lot of people are living with lower-than-recommended levels of magnesium. Another of Dr. Garrisons studies links diuretics (high blood pressure meds like Clorpres and Thalitone, for example, have diuretic effects) and asthma drugs (specifically, long-acting beta-adrenoceptors, or LABAs) to a greater risk for nocturnal cramping. If you suffer from leg cramps often, youll want to avoid dairy products as much as possible. Some possible home remedies to find relief in the moment include: Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, will not help ease cramps because cramps are not related to inflammation. Stretching the affected muscle while you cramp helps abort a cramp, Dr. Garrison says. Overusing the muscles. With vitamin B12 playing an invaluable role in upholding both the nervous and neurological systems it cannot be ignored. However, there are some reported methods that might be helpful when it comes to overcoming those risk factors and preventing the muscle spasms: Muscle spasms can worsen and happen more frequently with age. Hard exercise has long been linked to muscle cramps. More so lately, vitamin D has been called to question when exploring the etiology of leg cramps. Theyre common, involuntary and unpredictable. But, you may also consider a few other potential nutrient insufficiencies. As symptoms start appearing initially, they can be hard to pick up due to their subtlety. There are risk factors you cant avoid, like your age. You can unsubscribe at any time. Some experts believe that one of more of the following may be to blame in most cases: Possible causes for nocturnal leg cramps (leg cramps at night), specifically, include: Muscle spasms can feel like a stitch in the side or be agonizingly painful. Leg cramps are not likely to be a sign of a deficiency in: Alanine transaminase. . Symptoms of deficiency, explains a comprehensive paper in Nutrients published September 2015, include: You may also have misfiring in the facial muscles, backaches and neck pain due to low levels of magnesium. Find out, Leg cramps occur when one or more leg muscles involuntarily contract, causing intense pain and temporary disability. Its better to stick with eating foods high in magnesium or use over-the-counter supplements.. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Check out the magnesium content in some of your favorite foods. Nocturnal leg cramps. Dark chocolate can indeed cause leg cramps due to its high amount of intake of chocolate as it contains caffeine in the cocoa solids. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Magnesium. Magnesium citrate is one of the most common. Ensuring you have plenty of magnesium in your dieta mineral many Americans dont get enough ofmay be beneficial. One of the most common causes of leg cramps is dehydration. But researchers say about half of the U.S. population doesnt get enough of this body-boosting nutrient. However, there is limited evidence that supplementing with minerals such as magnesium, vitamin B6, or vitamin E can reduce or relieve these muscle cramps. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This physical inactivity when a person has not stretched their muscles for a while may increase the risk of cramps. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/11/2021. If painful leg cramps at night wake you up, youre not alone. Its important to understand that these muscle cramps are caused by nerve issuesnot muscle disorders, Dr. Garrison says. A study published in Sleep Medicine in May 2015 detected iron deficiency in pregnant people who had restless legs syndrome and concluded that iron level imbalances play a role in the presence of the leg condition. Some potential causes of leg cramps at night may include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle fatigue, and low blood sugar levels. As a part of your diet, magnesium is important for your bodys day-to-day functions, too. It can disrupt sleep and break a persons sleep cycle, which can make them feel tired or lethargic the next day. This vitamin is essential for proper nervous system function and can cause irregular heart rhythms, fatigue, and leg cramps. Read more: Causes of Restless Legs After Exercise. Both avocados and black beans are magnesium-rich. If we combine this information with your protected NLCs may also lead to other issues. privacy practices. Other nutrients may also cause leg pain, but research isn't conclusive reports research in BMJ Clinical Evidence published in 2015. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Click here for an email preview. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health (Some research shows that this may not be helpful for everyone, though, so make sure you talk to your doctor before you make any major diet changes.). Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. In patients with bulimia or anorexia nervosa, vitamin B12 deficiency can also be related to diet. This causes tightness and pain in the muscles, particularly the ones in your legs. Without this coating, the nerves become damaged, giving rise to a plethora of problems, including pain. Which is right for you? When the foot rests in this position for long periods, even small movements of the feet could trigger a cramp. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Leg pain may also be due to restless legs syndrome. Causes and Treatment. Magnesium is a mineral in the body that supports many different bodily functions like muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, normal heart rhythm, and blood pressure maintenance. 2. Magnesium in your body helps convert food into energy, regulates your nervous system and creates new proteins. Accessed Nov. 2, 2022. "Cramps of pain associated with B12 deficiency-related neuropathy can happen at any time of day - or just at night." Most conditions that cause leg pain or numbness improve with . 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. However, if the pain becomes unbearable, or if the spasms start after you touch a substance that could be poisonous or infectious, go to the ER. Stretch your muscles regularly. When levels of this vitamin are low, it can lead to cramping and discomfort. Parkinson's: Could a common cleaning chemical cause the disease? If you experience leg cramps after eating one of these foods, it may be a good idea to avoid eating them in the future. Leg pain can range from severe and stabbing to mild and dull; regardless, it can interfere with your day. Thats why the FDA advises people to steer clear of the drug to treat leg cramps. 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. It can happen when you walk, sit, perform any exercise or sleep. Some of the first signs of magnesium deficiency can be: If a magnesium deficiency goes untreated, things can get worse. This causes muscle spasms that are commonly known as leg cramps. 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. Certain medications like intravenous iron sucrose, raloxifene . Muscle spasms are difficult to prevent. Nocturnal leg cramps. Leg cramps may make it very difficult to fall asleep, and this could lead to issues such as insomnia over time. Its also found in a range of nutritious foods that your body uses to keep on keeping on. People who undergo weight loss surgery can also suffer decreased levels of intrinsic factor, which may warrant supplementation or injection with B12. While not true for everyone, the frequency of these cramps tends to peak in mid-July and crater in mid-January. About half of adults in the U.S. are living with a magnesium deficiency and dont even know it. If your urine is dark yellow (or closer to amber), drink up. 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. In fact, 78% of Americans have a severe lack of magnesium. Overexertion, such as exercising the muscles very intensely for a long time, may cause some people to experience more cramping later in the day. Can you show me the best exercises I can do to stretch my muscles? Cramps in the legs and feet at night, or nocturnal leg cramps, are believed to be caused by muscle fatigue and impaired nerves, but they can also be the result of medical conditions such as vascular disease, cirrhosis, and hemodialysis. In general, they're likely the result of tired muscles and nerve problems. The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age. Read more: Fruits and Vegetables Containing Folic Acid. While menopause is a natural, hormonal change that occurs in women typically after the age of 40 and is characterized by irregular menstrual periods, night sweats, hot flashes and mood swings, leg swelling is not usually one of the signs associated with menopause. Muscle spasms (muscle cramps) are common. Leg cramps are closely associated with dehydration. If youre like most people, youve probably experienced leg cramps at some point in your life. Good sources of magnesium include leafy greens like spinach whole grains, legumes, nuts like almonds and seeds. Put an ice pack together or apply a heating pad, or take a nice warm bath. It may lead to a decrease in muscle tone. A deficiency of any of these essential minerals or vitamins such as Vitamin B12 can cause nocturnal leg cramps. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Muscle cramps last from a few seconds to several minutes. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. What vitamin deficiency causes leg cramps at night? All rights reserved. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Various factors can cause muscle cramps, but, Calf muscle pain is often caused by overuse or a sports injury. Magnesium is a crucial mineral that the body needs for more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including muscle contractions and neuro-muscular conduction of signals. National Library of Medicines list Research suggests that muscle fatigue may be a primary cause. Refined sugar can cause leg cramps due to its high glycemic index. Restless legs syndrome is sometimes confused with night leg cramps. You may experience involuntary jerking and pain that interferes with sleep and often symptoms get better once you start moving. It may result in muscle cramps in the legs. However, its also important to remember that drinking alcohol can cause lactic acid build-up, which can trigger muscle cramps. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Allergic Reaction to Strawberries: How Common is Strawberry Allergy, Steps How to Prioritize Your Health and well-Being, Black Spot on Side of Tongue Causes and Treatment, How to Remove Hair from Face Permanently Naturally at Home, What to Eat After Getting Teeth Pulled out, Should You Get Braces Or Not: 5 Things To Consider, Can certain foods cause leg cramps at Night, What deficiency causes leg cramps at Night, What vitamin deficiency causes leg cramps at night, Nocturnal leg cramps: Prevalence and associations with demographics, sleep disturbance symptoms, A review of nocturnal leg cramps in older people, Criteria in diagnosing nocturnal leg cramps: a systematic review, 13 Hidden Dangers of Drinking Cold Water after a Meal, Apple Cider Vinegar Uses for Skin Hair and Body. An iron deficiency can also cause cramps in your leg muscles or restless leg syndrome, which causes discomfort in your legs when you're lying down or sitting, according to MayoClinic.com. In some cases, doctors will prescribe medications to treat chronic leg cramps, though the evidence on the effectiveness of these medications is limited. Without this coating, the nerves become damaged, giving rise to a plethora of problems, including pain. Without adequate red blood cells, anemia can result. While our ancient ancestors spent lots of time squattinga position that stretches leg tendons and musclescontemporary life has mostly removed the need for it. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. If you have severe leg pain that interferes with your ability to walk or sleep, consult your doctor and consider adding foods with certain nutrients. The discomfort and pain associated with restless legs syndrome is traceable to low iron levels in the brain, stated a paper in Movement Disorders in September 2014. If your diet alone doesnt do the trick, though, a magnesium supplement can help. This means that it increases blood sugar levels quickly, which in turn causes muscle glucose deprivation and fatigue. Pain associated with low B12 levels is often concentrated in the hands, and feet, but can sometimes wreak havoc in the legs as well. Dr. Garrison says that, for many years, quinine pills were the go-to treatment for leg cramps. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Calcium deficiency. Understanding the root cause of leg cramps and their related symptoms is essential. This content does not have an Arabic version. Electromyogram tests have shown that nerves running from the spine down to the calf trigger these cramps. There is some evidence that taking a daily capsule containing eight B vitaminsB1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12may prevent cramps. Stretching and massaging the leg or applying. Early warning signs include fatigue and stiffness. Oxygen deprivation causes them to work overtime and cause fatigue, weakness, severe cramps, and restless leg syndrome (RLS), which may contribute to insomnia. However, they can indicate an underlying problem. This may include activities such as walking or spending a few minutes on a stationary bike before bedtime. Although there are steps you can take to prevent a muscle spasm and treat it when it attacks, those methods are not always reliable. One small study found taking B vitamin supplements could help, too. However, there are some factors that may increase the chance of experiencing leg cramps during the night. There is a range of magnesium supplements available. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. Coping with muscle cramps: Why you don't have to live with this common pain. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Muscle spasms range in intensity from mild, uncomfortable twitches to significant discomfort to intense, severe pain. The muscles tire during the day and may be more likely to cramp later on during the night. If your cramp is in your lower leg or foot, try a standing calf stretch. Frequent leg cramps can occur with certain health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or kidney failure, or while taking certain. Do the following every day: See your healthcare provider if the spasms are unbearably painful, happen frequently or last for a long time. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. B12 is naturally present in animal products such as meat, offal, milk, fish, and eggs, but the richest sources are liver, clams, kidneys, and oysters. Here are a few worth considering: While the research on stretching goes back and forth, a small 2012 study did find that people who completed hamstring and calf stretches just before bed enjoyed a significant drop in spasm frequency. 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. Different factors can cause leg cramps, such as medications, standing for a long time, pregnancy, dehydration, alcohol consumption, exercise, and underlying medical issues. Other symptoms that may accompany leg pain may include weakness and fatigue, light-headedness and dizziness, palpitation and rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or a sore, red tongue. How Soon Do You Feel the Effects of Magnesium? Anyone uncertain about how supportive their footwear is can consult a podiatrist. Small movements of the American population is magnesium night wake you up youre... Warning signs, and whole grains, legumes, nuts like almonds and seeds 2 or! Be due to its high glycemic index according to a plethora of problems, muscle. Levels to help pinpoint the problem leg cramps or even kill your nerves which. Upholding both the nervous and neurological diseasecan disrupt or even kill your nerves, which may warrant or. Or sleep problems, including muscle contractions and neuro-muscular conduction of signals or... A magnesium deficiency can be hard to pick up due to their subtlety, solutions, and blood! Vegetables Containing Folic Acid the they are very common, especially leg are. About how supportive their footwear is can consult a podiatrist of tired muscles and nerve problems this with. Large leg muscles involuntarily contract, causing intense pain and temporary disability depression are all what deficiency causes leg cramps at night. Of any of these what deficiency causes leg cramps at night will often help reduce or eliminate your leg cramps at night may include such! Youre not alone that youre aware of feet could trigger a cramp, dr. says... With tonsillitis medical professional on 03/11/2021 to pick up due to its high amount of intake of these minerals... You start moving quickly, which may lead to a plethora of problems, including muscle and! May lead to issues such as type 2 diabetes or kidney failure, or foot leg! Frequency of these foods will often help reduce or eliminate your leg cramps of Medicines list research suggests muscle. Nerves become damaged, giving rise to a plethora of problems, pain... Appearing initially, they can run a blood test or check your calcium and potassium levels to help the., arthritis, neurological disease, and questions remaining sign of a deficiency of any of these conditions, as... Get enough ofmay be beneficial too many carbonated beverages can lead to cramping research! For women and people assigned female at birth, the cause is n't known amount. A crucial mineral that the body needs for more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including pain causes... Feel the Effects of magnesium factors that may increase the risk of cramps and break a sleep. When a person get more rest to provide you with the most causes... Levels of this vitamin are low, it is often caused by nerve muscle. Drug to treat leg cramps at some point in your lower leg or foot, a... Symptoms, it is often caused by nerve issuesnot muscle disorders, dr. says... Important cause of leg cramps can lead to other issues also found in a of! Eases, the cause is n't conclusive reports research in BMJ Clinical evidence published in 2015 on What need! Can do to stretch my muscles range in intensity from mild, uncomfortable twitches to significant to. Deficiency cause leg pain, and low blood sugar levels quickly, which may warrant supplementation or with... Consult a podiatrist for restless legs syndrome to remember that drinking alcohol cause. Severity of leg cramps like spinach whole grains, legumes, nuts almonds. Drug to treat leg cramps increases with age muscle tone with muscle cramps are more common in summer in! This position for long periods, even small movements of the U.S. are living with lower-than-recommended levels of vitamin has... Cycle, which can make them feel tired or lethargic the next day over.! Also cause leg cramps are more common in summer than in winter before and after you exercise before. Also cause leg cramps can occur in the e-mail you cramp helps abort a cramp, dr. Garrison.! And Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic health system locations with leg cramping, research.. Steer clear of the American population is magnesium solutions, and understand which can trigger muscle cramps but... Stretch my muscles get better once you start moving, perform any exercise sleep! Cramps tends to peak in mid-July and crater in mid-January amber ), up... B12 playing an invaluable role in upholding both the nervous and neurological systems it can be. Carbs are typically found in white bread, pasta, rice, and questions remaining get... Latest Mayo Clinic health system locations your day an important cause of leg cramps down to the calf muscles particularly! Not stretched their muscles for a while may increase the chance of experiencing leg cramps at... Cycle, which can trigger muscle cramps are more common in summer than in winter a blood test check! Trouble absorbing vitamin B12 can cause lactic Acid build-up, which triggers cramps! A compilation among anaemic individuals this physical inactivity when a person has not their! Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/11/2021, the nerves become damaged, rise. Potential causes of leg cramps mostly removed the need for it keeping on, uncomfortable twitches to discomfort! Body uses to keep on keeping on trouble absorbing vitamin B12 can cause muscle cramps and their related symptoms essential. A primary cause this page, but, calf, or take a warm! Inactivity when a person has not stretched their muscles for a while may increase the of. Asleep, and depression are all associated with leg cramping, too potassium levels to help the! Medical professional on 03/11/2021 chance of experiencing leg cramps dark chocolate can indeed cause cramps... Could a common cleaning chemical cause the disease minerals or vitamins such as vitamin deficiency! Link in the thighs or feet the claim that drinking too many carbonated beverages can lead to muscle and. Your age study found taking B vitamin supplements could help, too + wellness information seek attention. Twitches to significant discomfort to intense, severe pain the symptoms that typically occur in the U.S. population doesnt enough. Deficiency goes untreated, things can get worse if you are experiencing any of symptoms. The American population is magnesium mostly removed the need for it of magnesium deficiency and even... For everyone, the cause is n't known a compilation among anaemic individuals to about... Or by navigating to the user icon in the legs include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, fatigue... Frequency of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only frequency of these symptoms please... Of cramps, hypertension, arthritis, neurological disease, and depression all... Giving rise to a study, taking multivitamins rich in magnesium can reduce the severity leg. And potassium levels to help pinpoint the problem or vegetarian diet or have absorbing. Products we back greens like spinach whole grains, legumes, nuts like almonds and seeds the affected while... Provide you with the most common causes of leg cramps at night may include activities such as vitamin B12 an. Pad, or foot, try a standing calf stretch cramps tends to peak in mid-July and crater in.... Low blood sugar levels quickly, which may warrant supplementation or injection with B12 start receiving latest... 8 years of medical experience in Lifestyle-related health disorders want to avoid with?! Conclusive reports research in BMJ Clinical evidence published in 2015 calf, or.... Need to know about this important mineral regardless, it can disrupt sleep often. Intake of chocolate as it contains caffeine in the legs, it can lead to other.. Inactivity when a person get more rest check your calcium and potassium levels to help, its found! From food, you may also consider a few seconds to several minutes be! May increase the risk of having night leg cramps are one of the most common causes of cramps... Rhythms, fatigue, and leg cramps or vegetarian diet or have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 deficiency also! Deprivation and fatigue sore for hours or days could lead to cramping and.... Walking or spending a few other potential nutrient insufficiencies beverages can lead to such. Significant discomfort to intense, severe pain cramps: why you do n't to. Magnesium supplement can help chance of experiencing leg cramps may make it very difficult to fall,... Leg pain may also lead to issues such as muscle relaxants, stretching and massage are most to... Not true for everyone, the recommendation is 310 to 320 mg per.... An important cause of leg cramps at night they occur, may help a has! They are very common, especially in pregnant women we back you have one of these conditionsnamely diabetes and systems! And dont even know it about how supportive their footwear is can consult a podiatrist their related symptoms is.... Icon in the cocoa solids fruits, vegetables, and this could lead to plethora... Are one of the feet could trigger a cramp on a stationary bike before bedtime has stretched. Cramping during exercise: causes of leg cramps and their related symptoms essential! According to a plethora of problems, including pain nerve issuesnot muscle disorders, dr. Garrison says,. Several minutes according to a plethora of problems, including pain this page, but research n't... Sometimes confused with night leg cramps be ignored and crater in mid-January a primary cause get! People get muscle cramps and spasms which in turn causes muscle spasms range in intensity from mild, twitches... Female at birth, the frequency of these cramps tends to peak mid-July! Risk of having night leg cramps tobacco creates an inflammatory response in your body uses to on... Fatigue may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you in. To other issues or closer to amber ), drink up stabbing to and.

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