How to Avoid Leg Cramps at Night?

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By dwilliamson

How to Avoid Leg Cramps at Night?

Have you ever had leg cramps at night? Have you ever had to wake up in the middle of the night screaming in pain because of them? Leg cramps are not fun to deal with.  They are no joking matter, they hurt, believe me, they really do hurt.

I get a lot of cramping in my legs at night. I find that if I am taking certain medications I get them. I also find that if I am stressed out, not eating properly, not getting my proper rest and having cold legs, I tend to get them more.

When I wake up in the middle of the night and my legs are cramping, all I want to do is scream in pain. However, if I do that I know I will wake everyone up in the house. I really don't want to wake any sleeping bears if I don't have to because there really isn't much anyone else can do to help.

The best way I have found for getting rid of leg cramps at night is to actually get up out of bed and try to place both feet firmly on the floor. Doing this, releives the cramping. Once the cramping is gone, walk around for a little bit before going back to bed, just to make sure. Another way to relieve leg cramping is to point your toes toward you, while being stretched out on the bed. I find this very difficult to do, especially when I have just woken up because I can never remember which way I was supposed to point them and I always end up pointing my toes the wrong way first. It never fails. However, once I do have it figured out, this does relieve the cramping.

Try to do things that will avoid getting leg cramps in the first place by doing some simple leg stretches before going to bed, drinking plenty of fluids and eating healthy. I find that taking a nice hot bath, just before going to bed seems to help prevent leg cramps. The hot water soothes the muscles and helps me relax.

If your leg cramps persist, it is probably best that you go see a doctor. He may be able to prescribe something for you and there may be an underlying condition that is causing your leg cramps. 

Comments

cindyvine profile image

cindyvine Level 2 Commenter 3 years ago

Thanks for answering my request, Dwilliamson. I'll try leg stretches and standing up during the night

dwilliamson profile image

dwilliamson Hub Author 3 years ago

You are very welcome, cindyvine. I hope it helps you.

Tom Rubenoff profile image

Tom Rubenoff 3 years ago

I get instep cramps sometimes - very painful. The only effective way I've found to deal with them is to walk them off.

Feline Prophet profile image

Feline Prophet Level 5 Commenter 3 years ago

A good idea is to pull your big toe towards you - or get someone to do it for you. I often wake up screaming and my husband blindly reaches for my toe - invariably the wrong one - but after we've sorted out the confusion - I find it works. :P

dwilliamson profile image

dwilliamson Hub Author 3 years ago

Thanks for your comment, Tom. Yes, walking it off is most effective for me.

Feline Prophet, I will have to try pulling my big toe towards me. I think I will try to find it myself though.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Level 8 Commenter 3 years ago

Getting up out of bed and putting your feet flat on the floor is my answer. Then walking.

dwilliamson profile image

dwilliamson Hub Author 3 years ago

I agree with you, Peggy W.

jeffrubman7 profile image

jeffrubman7 2 years ago

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Chris 2 years ago

I found that I wake up screaming, its not like anything else, I was woken up in the middle of this crampp due to waking everyone up.

dwilliamson profile image

dwilliamson Hub Author 2 years ago

jeffrubman7 and Chris, thank you for your comments. jeffrubman7 you have some very useful information and Chris, yes, leg cramps are very painful, aren't they?

sammy84 profile image

sammy84 2 years ago

Has anyone tried Recovery e21 yet? I'm telling you this product is amazing. prevent muscle cramping so you don't even have to wake up and stretch! Its organic and natural...search for it and grab a free sample.

dwilliamson profile image

dwilliamson Hub Author 2 years ago

sammy84, thank you for your comment. I am afraid to try anything because I have a problem with medication. I have tried so many different pills and I pretty much end up getting every single side effect there ever was and then some.

sammy84 profile image

sammy84 2 years ago

No worries dwilliamson. I always tell people who i recommend this product to always check with your doctor first. Because it is 100A% Organic and natural there shouldn't be any side effects as its algae powdered down and unless people are allergic to micro algae you shouldn't have a problem.thanks.

dwilliamson profile image

dwilliamson Hub Author 2 years ago

sammy84, thank you. I will check with my doctor first.

Sabu 3 months ago

when i was playing football i got a leg cramp on both of my legs and i tried to stop them but i couldn't feel my feet so i asked my friend to put my feet firmly towards the ground and i still have the after shock feeling. Is this the same as a leg cramp?

dwilliamson profile image

dwilliamson Hub Author 3 months ago

Sabu, thank you for your comment and I would suggest that you should seek a doctors opinion to find out for sure if it is leg cramps you are experiencing.

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