Nocturnal Leg Cramps– What Causes Them and What You Need to Do to Prevent Them

A quick question before we start – have you ever experienced this? If yes, then you probably already know that this is not a pleasant experience. You rub your leg and you pray that it would be over soon. Sometimes these cramps disappear in seconds, but the soreness will stay with you for 3-4 days.

The leg cramps at night, (the experts call them Nocturnal leg cramps) appear at night, due to lack of physical activity during the day. How this works – well, the experts warn that lack of blood flow to the legs is the most common reason for these cramps.

As we said, these annoying cramps last a few seconds. But, unfortunately, that’s more than enough to interrupt your sleep. People over 50 are most prone to these cramps. But, don’t get us wrong – youngsters can be affected as well. The nocturnal leg cramps usually affect the calf, but sometimes they can affect the thigh muscles as well.

RLS (Restless leg syndrome) vs NLC (Nocturnal leg cramps) – 3 main differences:

• RLS doesn’t cause pain/cramping – NLC do;
• RLS is a crawling/discomfort feeling in your legs;
• RLS will make you move your legs / NLC prevents movement;

NLC – Most Common Causes

According to the experts, these are the most common risk factors for NLC:

• If you sit in improper position.
• If your sit for a long period of time.
• Standing on concrete floors (for a long period of time).
• Over-exertion (of the muscles).

The experts warn that some medical conditions can cause NLC as well:

• Parkinson’s disease.
• Alcoholism.
• Pregnancy.
• Dehydration.
• Flat feet.
• Diabetes.
• Diuretics.

NLC – the best natural treatments and preventive methods include:

• Horse chestnut – it will increase the blood flow in your legs.
• Heating pad – just apply it on the affected area.
• Acupuncture.
• Stretch.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid high heels.
• Take magnesium/potassium supplements.
• Swim.

NLC Strikes – what you need to do? Here’s the answer:

1. Get up and walk around for 5 minutes.
2. Massage the affected area (gently).
3. Take 1 tsp of yellow mustard.