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Surely this has happened to many people. At night a cramp in your leg wakes you up. Not only is it very painful, but it surprises many people. There are several causes. From all-day stress and fatigue to a lack of magnesium. It can also be caused by sleeping on your leg when it is in an unnatural position. One of the causes can also be dehydration, even varicose veins. They most often occur in the calves, less so in the large thigh muscles. If it happens once in a while, it does not mean any major health problem.
What can help
Besides reducing stress — for example by taking a short walk before bed — you can relieve fatigue. It is certainly advisable to replenish fluids during the day, whether ordinary water or, in case of increased energy expenditure, isotonic (electrolyte) drinks. You can replenish magnesium by eating almonds; poppy seeds also contain a lot, or by taking it in tablet or powder form. If a cramp strikes you, tense the muscle as much as the pain allows and massage the affected area. That will release the cramp. You can also make a supportive remedy at home. Here is the recipe.
Required ingredients and preparation
- Malt extract
- Petroleum jelly from the pharmacy
Mix both ingredients to create an ointment. The recommended ratio is 1:2. Before bed, apply this ointment to the area where cramps affect you. Rub the leg for a period of 1 month. Malt contains many minerals, with magnesium being the most abundant. The petroleum jelly allows better absorption into the skin and deeper into the muscles. During the day, just don’t sit. Walking and light exercise will help release tension in the muscles, and cramps will not affect you as much at night.
Other causes of nighttime cramps
If none of the above causes has caused your nighttime cramps, the problem may lie elsewhere. In the case of longer-lasting problems that may worsen, the best solution is to visit your doctor. The cause may be problems with the veins, when they have poor blood circulation or blood pools in them. That requires a specialist examination and the initiation of treatment using medication or other measures. It is also important in this case to work on removing the causes. Instead of driving a car, prefer to walk or cycle, change your diet, increase fluid intake, and avoid stress in the long term.
