Are you struggling to find how to relive leg cramps at night? As you get older, you are more prone to being awoken in the middle of the night with bad leg cramps. This can last for a few seconds or up to quite a few minutes, but the soreness can end up lasting for quite a while and an otherwise very restful slumber can be interrupted. Dealing with these leg cramps that come in the middle of the night can be incredibly frustrating, but there are things you can do to help them from happening and make the episodes less severe when you do have them.
Staying hydrated is the first thing you are going to want to do. If you can drink at least eight glasses of water daily you will find that the cramping episodes will decrease in number. Dehydration plays a role in many cases of cramping.
Taking calcium supplements will also help. Many reasons for experiencing leg cramps can also be the result of a calcium deficiency. Drinking milk in the evening might help, but more than likely you are going to need to take a calcium supplement anyway, especially if you are female and in danger of getting osteoporosis.
Be sure to check prescriptions you might be taking because some of them may have a side-effect that brings about cramping or will have an adverse effect on the level of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your body which may all cause a problem with cramping. They may also help bring about dehydration quicker. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions.
Stretching your calves often during the day and evening will also help keep your leg from cramping. You can stand facing the wall about an arm's-length from it and place your hands on the wall directly in front of you. Keep your heels firmly planted on the ground and then move your upper body close to the wall like you are doing a push-up in the standing position. You should be getting a little stretch on your hamstrings. Hold this position for thirty seconds and then stand on your toes holding it for another thirty seconds. After you have done this, push yourself back away from the wall to the starting position with your heels back on the ground. Do this three or four times to help you keep your legs from cramping. Also, consider riding a stationary bicycle to help keep your leg from supple.
If you do have a cramp at night, put your finger on your upper lip and apply pressure. This will many times help stop a cramp. You can also try to make sure that your covers are not tight around your feet and lie on your back and bring your toes towards your head.
For persistent troubles with leg cramps at night, you should go see your doctor to make sure there isn't something more serious wrong. Your doctor might be able to present you with some other options how to relieve leg cramps that could work.
