Nothing worse...
You are lying in bed, trying to get some rest and your leg goes into the cramp.
You pull back the sheets as you writhe in agony to your partners annoyance and either put your leg inn the air or jump out of bed and try to straighten you leg on to the floor
So what are they...
No one knows for sure what causes nocturnal leg cramps. In many cases, there doesn't seem to be any specific trigger, however, sometimes the cramps are caused by overexertion of the muscles, structural disorders , standing on concrete, prolonged sitting, inappropriate leg positions while sedentary, or dehydration.
Either way it is very painful..
Some viral and bacterial infections may also induce the occurrence of muscle spasm. Other health problems that are also known triggers of this muscle problem include diabetes, circulation anomalies, dermatomyositis, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
In many cases, it is impossible to determine the cause of the leg cramps.
Muscle cramps can arise from spontaneous firing of special nerve groups followed by contraction of certain muscle fibers.
Cramps that are recurrent and localized to one muscle group may suggest nerve root disease.
Treatment
The decision to treat a patient with leg cramps depends on the severity and degree of impairment.
If the pain is mild and self-limiting, topical and/or oral non-prescription analgesics may be appropriate. (Specific products may be recommended by a physician or pharmacist.)
For more severe pain or if the pain is referred, the patient should see their physician for further evaluation.
Quinine Sulfate is usually the prescription drug of choice for leg cramps, so get out the Tonic water.
Nighttime Cramps
These cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of the calf muscles that occur during the night or while at rest.
Occasionally, muscles in the soles of the feet also become cramped. The sensation can last a few seconds or up to 10 minutes, but the soreness may linger. The cramps can affect persons in any age-group, but they tend to occur in middle-aged and older populations.
Nocturnal leg cramps should not be confused with restless legs syndrome, a crawling sensation that is relieved by walking or moving around. Although uncomfortable, restless legs syndrome typically does not involve cramping or pain
What can you do..
Drink at least 8 glasses of water . By doing this it will help prevent dehydration, which may play a role in the cramping.
Stretch calves regularly throughout the day and at night.
Ride a stationary bicycle for a few minutes before bedtime. This activity can help prevent cramps from developing during the night, especially if you do not get a lot of exercise during the day.
Keep blankets loose at the foot of the bed to prevent your toes and feet from pointing downward while you sleep.
Do aquatic therapy regularly during the week to help stretch and condition your muscles.
Wear proper foot gear.
How do I get the Cramp to go away..
Walk on or jiggle the affected leg and then elevate it.
Straighten the leg and flex your foot toward your knee. Grab your toes and pull them upward toward your knee. You should feel your calf muscles stretching.
Take a hot shower or warm bath, or apply an ice massage to the cramped muscle.
Personally on the odd time I have had cramp I get out of bed and try and put as much weight as possible on the leg and always works for me
Relaxing your leg..
You should gently massaging the area that's cramped, whether it's a crick in your calf from over exercising or a spasm in your feet.
Try and stretch the muscle out slowly and gently, as long as you don't feel pain.
For calf cramps, do a wall stretch. Stand about three feet away from the wall, with your knees straight and your heels on the floor. Lean into the wall, supporting yourself with your hands.
You will feel the stretch of your calf muscles. Hold for 60 seconds and repeat three times.
Hope this helps..
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