Q: Why do my calves cramp while I’m asleep and what can I do to prevent and/or deal with it?
A: There are certain medical conditions that can predispose a person to leg cramps but for most, the causes are unclear. They tend to happen most when there is a fluid imbalance or vitamin deficiency so the best way to prevent them is to do the following:
- drink lots of fluids & limit diuretics like coffee and tea
- consume foods rich in electrolytes (calcium, potassium and magnesium), which are natural muscle relaxants and can include dairy, bananas and broccoli OR take a supplement, preferably at night
- be sure to wear supportive shoes and stretch regularly
- untuck the bed covers at the foot of your bed to keep your ankle in a neutral position while you sleep
- apply topical magnesium chloride, a natural muscle relaxant, to your calves before bed
If a cramp happens anyway, these ideas should help ease it:
- flex your foot up toward your head and hold for 30 seconds
- massage the cramping muscle with your hands or with ice
- put some weight on your foot or jiggle the leg
- apply a warm compress as the pain subsides