What will prevent leg cramps

Charley horse is another name for a muscle spasm. It occurs most commonly in the legs. The pain you feel can be intense and can result in muscle…. Diabetes leg pain and cramps often occur as a result of damaged nerves.

Learn how different treatments can help relieve symptoms. Research suggests magnesium deficiencies can contribute to restless leg syndrome RLS. Learn how magnesium supplements may help treat RLS. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, such as your legs and arms. Learn more about the symptoms and causes of poor circulation.

A lower back spasm is an involuntary contraction or tensing of the muscles in that area. Your doctor may order an X-ray to identify possible causes…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. How to Stop Leg Muscle Cramps. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Overexertion and other parts of your exercise routine could also contribute to leg cramps but there are ways to combat this.

First, Dr. One stretch, in particular, can help prevent leg cramps in your calves. Standing about three feet away from a wall, lean forward and touch the wall with your outstretched arms but keep your feet flat. Hold this position and count to five and then relaxing. Repeat this stretch for up to five minutes at a time, three times a day.

Goldman suggests some gentle leg stretches or even mild exercise, like a walk or short bike ride, right before bed. But there are also things you can do for your sleep that might help, including adjusting your sleep position. If you sleep on your back, try using pillows to keep your toes pointed upwards.

And if you sleep on your stomach, try hanging your feet off the end of the bed. Both of these positions can help keep you in a relaxed position while you sleep, he adds. They can happen at any time, but most people have them at night or when resting.

Leg cramps happen when a muscle in the leg shortens and causes a sudden pain that can make it hard to move. After the cramp has stopped, the muscle might feel sore for up to 24 hours. Stretching and massaging the muscle may ease the pain during a cramp, although most cramps go away without you doing anything.

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to ease muscle soreness after a cramp, but they will not help when it's happening as they take too long to work. Regular calf-stretching exercises may help to reduce cramps but may not completely stop them from happening. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of your muscles.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Muscle cramp. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Accessed Nov.