Overview
Leg cramps attack suddenly, tearing you out of a sound sleep. The pain is sudden and severe, sometimes leaving a lingering soreness. Leg pain becomes more common with age. Such pains are usually harmless, but in some cases, leg aches and cramps may be a sign of a serious condition or a medication side effect.
Muscle Ache Vs. Cramp
Leg cramps typically occur in the calf or foot muscles, says the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Cramps occur when muscles contract suddenly and involuntarily, usually when the muscle is at rest. In contrast, leg aches cause a less intense pain in the muscles. Leg aches usually occur while the muscle is active.
Causes
Causes of muscle aches include strained or torn muscles, hairline bone fractures, inflamed tendons or poor blood circulation, says the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Conditions such as atherosclerosis, blood clots, or bone or tissue infections may impair circulation. Arthritis and gout may also cause leg pain. Cramps are typically caused by dehydration, muscle overuse or imbalances of sodium, potassium or magnesium. Leg cramps may also be an uncommon side effect of cholesterol-lowering statins or diuretics.
Treatment
Relax the muscle to relieve a cramp, explains the Family Health Guide. Stretch the calf muscle gently by pulling your foot toward your body, or lean forward toward a wall while keeping your heel on the floor. Putting weight on your leg or foot also helps relieve the cramp, but be sure to have support. If stretching fails to relieve the cramp, a heating pad or warm water may help.
Prevention
Prevent cramps by drinking plenty of water and wearing good, supportive shoes, says the Family Health Guide. Sleep under loose covers so your toes are not forced downward, straining your leg muscles. Gently stretch your leg muscles before bed using the same techniques as those for relieving cramps.
Seek Medical Care
Leg pain may signal an underlying condition. The Mayo Clinic advises seeking immediate medical attention if you have severe, persistent cramping or if you experience pain after exposure to a toxin. See your regular health care provider if nighttime cramps interfere with your sleep enough that your daily activities suffer, or if you have accompanying muscle weakness.
About this Author
A medical writer for 25 years, Cheryl Jones assists researchers in writing articles for various medical journals, including the “New England Journal of Medicine” and “Headache.” Her news articles have appeared in specialty publications, such as “Infectious Diseases in Children,” “Ocular Surgery News” and “Hem/Onc Today.” Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a minor in biology from New Jersey’s Glassboro State College.
