What Are Those Sudden Leg Cramps at Night?

What Are Those Sudden Leg Cramps at Night?

Nocturnal leg cramps are sudden, painful muscle spasms that usually happen at night, mostly in the calves or feet. They can last a few seconds to minutes and sometimes leave the muscle sore. These cramps tend to show up more often in older adults, pregnant women or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. Figuring out why they happen and how to deal with them can really help keep those painful wake-ups to a minimum. Take a look at this article to learn what nocturnal leg cramps are, what induces them and how to stop leg cramps at night.

Nocturnal leg cramps are sudden, painful muscle spasms that usually happen at night, mostly in the calves or feet. They can last a few seconds to minutes and sometimes leave the muscle sore. These cramps tend to show up more often in older adults, pregnant women or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. Figuring out why they happen and how to deal with them can really help keep those painful wake-ups to a minimum. Take a look at this article to learn what nocturnal leg cramps are, what induces them and how to stop leg cramps at night.

What Are Nocturnal Leg Cramps?

Nocturnal leg cramps, sometimes referred to as 'charley horses', are involuntary muscle contractions that occur during periods of rest, most commonly at night. These cramps are typically localised and involve one or more muscles tightening without warning. While they most often affect the gastrocnemius muscle in the calf, other muscles such as the hamstrings (back of each thigh) and quadriceps (front of each thigh) can also be involved.