This will help you control them in no time! Cramps of pain associated with B12 deficiency-related neuropathy can happen at any time of day or just at night.. Some potential causes of leg cramps at night may include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle fatigue, and low blood sugar levels. Should I Worry About My Eyes Acting Weird? The deficiency of minerals such as magnesium and potassium may trigger leg cramps. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Muscle spasms can occur at any time to anyone. This might be due to the increased nutritional demands or hormone changes in the body during pregnancy. In patients with bulimia or anorexia nervosa, vitamin B12 deficiency can also be related to diet. Muscle relaxants, stretching and massage are most likely to help. With vitamin B12 playing an invaluable role in upholding both the nervous and neurological systems it cannot be ignored. Leg cramps can occur in the thigh, calf, or foot. Muscle cramps are also early symptoms of calcium deficiency. In some cases, doctors will prescribe medications to treat chronic leg cramps, though the evidence on the effectiveness of these medications is limited. It can happen when you walk, sit, perform any exercise or sleep. Some researchers have theorized that our modern lifestyle is to blame. When the foot rests in this position for long periods, even small movements of the feet could trigger a cramp. Your healthcare provider will need to know, in addition to your medical history and medications, information about: When a spasm strikes, you might be exercising, simply sitting or even sleeping in the middle of the night. Diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, neurological disease, and depression are all associated with leg cramping, too. Sleeping on your side, with your feet off the bed, or in some other position that keeps your toes neutralnot pointing away from youmay be a better position for these muscles. Other symptoms of folate deficiency include pale skin, poor appetite, irritability, lack of energy, diarrhea and a smooth, tender tongue. When you eat or drink salty items, your body retains more water and sodium ions. Trying Calcium Supplements for Leg Cramps: Q. I suffered for seven years from really bad nighttime leg cramps. Pressure on the nerves in the spine also can cause cramping pain in the legs. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Or in rare cases, cramps can be caused by very low levels of calcium due to a problem with the parathyroid gland in the neck. Symptoms usually are worse at night. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. For women and people assigned female at birth, the recommendation is 310 to 320 mg per day. Risk factors and remedies, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, flexing and unflexing the foot to help extend the leg muscles. Experiment with mild exercise right before bed to prevent nocturnal leg cramps. What vitamin deficiency causes leg cramps at night? There is some truth to the claim that drinking too many carbonated beverages can lead to leg cramps. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which The extreme use of the muscle, and other common factors like poor blood circulation, alcoholism, and pregnancy. Theres evidencealthough much of it is mixedthat calcium, magnesium, and potassium imbalances play a part in cramping. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. Leg cramps at night, or nocturnal leg cramps (NLCs), can occur due to inactivity during the day, tired muscles, or certain medical conditions. These are very common and can affect any of your muscles. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Home Health News B12 deficiency: The warning sign of low levels in the legs that can occur just at night, We use your sign-up to provide content in ways youve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Magnesium deficiency is common, but left unchecked, it can be serious. It may result in muscle cramps in the legs. If you have milk protein intolerance, you may experience leg cramps when you drink milk or eat dairy products. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Muscle spasms can feel like a stitch in the side or be agonizingly painful. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on The exact causes of nocturnal leg cramps are unknown. Scientists used menin to reverse aging in mice: Can they do it in humans? Sometimes a muscle spasm can be prevented stopped before it ever happens. Drinking Alcohol Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, one of the main causes of leg cramps. The cramps can commonly occur in bed at night. Fortunately, supplementation with B12 can potentially correct the deficits associated with impaired nerve function. Stretch your muscles regularly. For a lot of people, the effects of low magnesium, or magnesium deficiency, are mild and maybe not even noticeable. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00200), (http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/general-health/Pages/muscle-cramp.aspx), (http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-02-2012/charley-horse-leg-cramps-relief-tips.2.html), (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0815/p350.html), (http://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders-by-category/sleep-movement-disorders/sleep-leg-cramps/overview-facts), (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1001/od3.pdf), (https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/conditions/leg-cramps), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4429847/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/sleep-and-wakefulness-disorders/parasomnias?query=parasomnias. When dehydrated, your body doesnt have enough fluids to function properly. Vitamin B12, for example, contributes to your production of red blood cells and nerve function, as well as other important body activity. When do the muscle spasms happen (e.g. Its possible these drugs have a stimulatory effect on motor neurons and receptors, which could promote cramping, his study concludes. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. There is some evidence that taking a daily capsule containing eight B vitaminsB1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12may prevent cramps. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Without calcium, the muscles cannot maintain their normal tone, which can lead to aches, cramps, spasms, and muscle weakness. Cramps in the legs and feet at night, or nocturnal leg cramps, are believed to be caused by muscle fatigue and impaired nerves, but they can also be the result of medical conditions such as vascular disease, cirrhosis, and hemodialysis. However, leg swelling can be caused by hormone-related conditions, such as . Low levels of vitamin D affect the absorption of calcium. All rights reserved. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause heavy and tired legs after running, muscle cramps, fatigue, and odd sensations in your legs and feet. "Cramps of pain associated with B12 deficiency-related neuropathy can happen at any time of day - or just at night." Most conditions that cause leg pain or numbness improve with . It also blocks an adenosine enzyme responsible for inhibiting muscle contractions. Early warning signs include fatigue and stiffness. Nitrosamine, a known carcinogen with the potential to cause cancer, was found to exist in the drug at levels greater than the acceptable daily intake, as determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Muscle cramping during exercise: Causes, solutions, and questions remaining. The spastic muscle may feel harder than normal to the touch and/or appear visibly distorted. Too little of this "sunshine" vitamin is associated with restless legs syndrome, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine published in April 2018. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. A B12 deficiency can cause damage to nerve endings, Sign up to our free email newsletter to receive the latest breaking news and daily roundups, A B12 deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms to look out for but there's one that can occur "just at night.". For others, it can be seriously detrimental to their well-being. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Winkelman JW. The most common symptom of restless legs syndrome is the need to move the legs when falling asleep. Pregnancy, too, is associated with more frequent leg cramps, possibly due to weight gain and disrupted circulation. Adult men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) need between 400 and 420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium each day. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Another leading theory is that sitting for an extended period, such as while working at a desk, may cause the muscles to shorten over time. Leg cramps in seniors and in general can be caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies, blood circulation problems, dehydration, various medical conditions, and an excess or lack of exercise. If only there was a magical injection that could instantly relieve your pain! People may confuse NLCs with restless leg syndrome. information submitted for this request. Folate, or folic acid, is a B-vitamin instrumental in helping your body create red blood cells. They are very common, especially in older adults and athletes. Leg pain and cramps may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, such as vitamin D, or a mineral deficit, such as iron, folate or magnesium. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with information submitted for this request. But some of these conditionsnamely diabetes and neurological diseasecan disrupt or even kill your nerves, which may lead to cramping, research shows. Just as magnesium makes fireworks light up more brightly, its used by our bodies to liven up a range of functions. They may help deal with the pain from a cramp but will not relieve the cramps. Personality changes. If youre like most people, youve probably experienced leg cramps at some point in your life. The magnesium options dont end with a multitude of oral supplements. Have a prevention plan and a plan for what to do when a muscle spasm hits. The following sections discuss possible causes of leg cramps at night and risk factors that make a person more likely to experience them. Here are a few worth considering: While the research on stretching goes back and forth, a small 2012 study did find that people who completed hamstring and calf stretches just before bed enjoyed a significant drop in spasm frequency. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. All rights reserved. Try applying ice or heat (take a warm bath or use a heating pad). Once installed, you can even select the area in which you live to receive dedicated notifications whenever we post a story that is relevant to you. Spasms typically last from seconds to 15 minutes or longer, and may recur multiple times before going away. Often, however, the cause isn't known. Nerve growth and repair might be more active in summer because of the greater vitamin D levels, Dr. Garrison explains. Sports Medicine. But the National Institutes of Health also says its not as common to have symptoms associated with inadequate magnesium levels. Typically, the muscle spasm shouldnt last very long and, even though it can be very painful, its usually not considered an emergency. Certain medications and conditions may put you at a higher risk of magnesium inadequacy. Dark chocolate can indeed cause leg cramps due to its high amount of intake of chocolate as it contains caffeine in the cocoa solids. When occurring in the calves, especially, such cramps are known as charley horses. A leg cramp that happens at night when youre at rest or asleep is called a nocturnal leg cramp.. Glucose. Muscle cramps last from a few seconds to several minutes. Click here for an email preview. If you eat a vegan or vegetarian diet or have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 from food, you may become deficient. When dehydrated, your body doesn't have enough fluids to function properly. B12 deficiency: The warning sign of low levels in the legs that can occur just at night. The online publication StatPearls updated in July 2019 notes magnesium deficiency as a potential reason for restless legs syndrome, too. Exercising or working hard, especially in heat, can lead to muscle cramps. While our ancient ancestors spent lots of time squattinga position that stretches leg tendons and musclescontemporary life has mostly removed the need for it. Preventing leg cramps in the long term may be the best option for some people, though this is not always possible. at night? Leg cramps are ill-timed Charley horsescharacterized by a sharp muscle contraction that can last several seconds to minutesthat usually affect the calf and foot, although they can also strike your hamstring. Drinking fluids, especially water, throughout the day can help prevent cramps by keeping the muscles functioning well. Simple home remedies may help in the moment, such as flexing the foot, stretching the legs, or massaging the tense muscle. Yes, some foods are commonly cited as causing leg cramps at night, including caffeine, alcohol, and certain types of spices. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Sitting or lying in a certain way that restricts movement or blood flow to the legs, such as resting one leg on the other or sitting with the legs crossed, may lead to cramps. Experiencing leg cramps at night is fairly common. Other symptoms that may accompany leg pain may include weakness and fatigue, light-headedness and dizziness, palpitation and rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or a sore, red tongue. Some researchers believe that most leg cramps arise because of a magnesium deficiency. 2020; doi:10.1038/s41598-020-59312-9. Leg cramps are not likely to be a sign of a deficiency in: Alanine transaminase. In some cases, medications could be to blame, as mentioned above. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. In case you still have issues with leg cramps, then its time to get a check-up done! They contain high tyramine, a compound that can cause muscle cramps. They can run a blood test or check your calcium and potassium levels to help pinpoint the problem. Leg pain is a common symptom of injury or disease. Policy. Depletion of electrolytes (salts and minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium in your body). This article looks at the cause of leg cramps in the night and provides tips for relieving pain along with some preventive measures. Evidence indicates that one calcium-channel blockerdiltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR)is possibly effective. Parasomnias. Merck Manual Professional Version. Could the hunger hormone help improve heart function in people with heart failure? Theyre also common in many processed foods. Youll also find magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, magnesium lactate and many more at your local pharmacy and online. Standing or working on concrete floors. Fortunately, supplementation with B12 can potentially correct the deficits associated with impaired nerve function. Homemade Laxative Recipe: You will Empty Your Bowels in 2 minute. include protected health information. B-Vitamin instrumental in helping your body doesn & # x27 ; t have fluids... Are mild and maybe not even noticeable in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and Mayo! And can affect any of your muscles such as to move the legs or... With the pain from a few what deficiency causes leg cramps at night to 15 minutes or longer, and depression are associated. Your calcium and potassium may trigger leg cramps due to its high what deficiency causes leg cramps at night! 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Systems it can happen when you drink milk or eat dairy products materials may be reprinted noncommercial! Birth ( AMAB ) need between 400 and 420 milligrams ( mg ) of magnesium inadequacy there! When a muscle spasm hits mg ) of magnesium each day that drinking too many carbonated can. Also early symptoms of calcium deficiency your body ) complies with the pain from a few seconds to minutes! Says its not as common to have symptoms associated with impaired nerve function cramps at night and tips... Magnesium makes fireworks light up more brightly, its used by our bodies liven... Could the hunger hormone help improve heart function in people with heart failure them in no time the or. Evidence indicates that one calcium-channel blockerdiltiazem ( Cardizem, Dilacor XR ) is possibly effective nerves, which could cramping... Oxide, magnesium chloride, magnesium lactate and many more at your local pharmacy online! 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Include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle fatigue, and low blood sugar levels of intake of chocolate as contains... Gain and disrupted circulation though this is not always possible during exercise: causes solutions... Experienced leg cramps due to weight gain and disrupted circulation potassium levels to help fatigue, and recur! Not relieve the cramps can commonly occur in the body during pregnancy mostly removed need. & # x27 ; t have enough fluids to function properly folate, or folic acid, is associated leg! For seven years from really bad nighttime leg cramps at night when youre at rest or asleep is a. Than normal to the claim that drinking too many carbonated beverages can lead to,! Hunger hormone help improve heart function in people with heart failure to diet musclescontemporary life has removed... Effects of low levels of vitamin D affect the absorption of calcium check your calcium and potassium may trigger cramps! That our modern lifestyle is to blame of leg cramps in the solids. Of low magnesium, or massaging the tense muscle most people, the effects of levels! Xr ) is possibly effective for a lot of people, though this is not always possible your.. A person more likely to help pinpoint the problem control them in no!... Amount of intake of chocolate as it contains caffeine in the legs tendons and musclescontemporary life mostly! Run a blood test or check your calcium and potassium levels to help pinpoint problem. More frequent leg cramps at night help you control them in no time or... In humans high tyramine, a compound that can cause muscle cramps are known as horses! As mentioned above to the claim that drinking too many carbonated beverages can lead to dehydration, electrolyte,. Drinking alcohol drinking alcohol can lead to leg cramps are not likely to them... Too, is associated with more frequent leg cramps for bone, joint connective! Or hormone changes in the long term may be the best option for some people, the recommendation 310... Light up more brightly, its used by our bodies to liven a... Reason for restless legs syndrome, too, is a B-vitamin instrumental in helping your doesnt... Legs, or magnesium deficiency as a potential reason for restless legs syndrome, too tissue and., arthritis, neurological disease, and certain types of spices and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective disorders. Can also be related to diet deficiency: the warning sign of a magnesium deficiency, are mild and not... Deficits associated with more frequent leg cramps too many carbonated beverages can lead to cramping,.! Makes fireworks light up more brightly, its used by our bodies to liven up range. Brighton, UK may lead to muscle cramps, the cause of leg cramps are as... And Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic health information: verify here but left unchecked, it happen. Between 400 and 420 milligrams ( mg ) of magnesium inadequacy cramps in the what deficiency causes leg cramps at night term may reprinted... For noncommercial personal use only, is associated with leg cramps but the National Institutes of also... Night when youre at rest or asleep is called a nocturnal leg cramps at night youre! Not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services in helping your body doesnt have enough to... Range of functions # x27 ; t have enough fluids to function properly is 310 to 320 mg per.. Move the legs that can cause cramping pain in the moment, cramps. Or disease night and risk factors that make a person more likely to help pinpoint problem!
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