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Sudden and forceful contractions of the leg muscles can cause leg cramps, which occur mainly during nighttime. Let us know more about leg cramps in bed

It is the contraction of muscles, which enables the physical movement of human beings.

But a sudden and involuntary contraction of a muscle or a group of muscles can cause cramps.

Such cramps may be accompanied by severe pain too. The most common among muscle cramps are leg cramps, which are also known as ‘charley horse cramps’.

Leg cramps are caused by the sudden and forceful contraction of leg muscles, especially those in the calf, the hamstring and the quadriceps.

Sometimes, even the small muscles in the feet can also cause cramps. Leg cramps are common among the aged and pregnant women, but young people may also experience this condition.

Leg Cramps in Bed
Generally, leg cramps occur when you rest, especially during the night. Such leg cramps are also called night leg cramps. In most cases, the contraction of calf muscles is the reason for cramps, but the thigh or feet muscles can also cause cramps. Leg cramps in bed may last for a few seconds to a few minutes, but in some cases, it may last even longer. The intensity of the pain also varies and in most cases, it is severe enough to wake the person up. Even if the cramp ends, the muscle may remain sore for some time. Most people experience occasional leg cramps, but for some people, especially, the aged, this problem can be more frequent.

What Causes Leg Cramps in Bed?
There is no precise medical cause for leg cramps in bed. According to research, cramps are caused when the muscles, which are in a shortened position, are stimulated to contract. This theory explains the relation between the sleeping position and the contraction of leg muscles. Most people sleep with their legs slightly bent and the knees pointing downwards. In this position, the calf muscles are in a shortened form and any contraction can lead to cramps.

There are many other contributing factors to leg cramps in bed, which can include some physical conditions. Night leg cramps may be due to dehydration, overexertion of muscles, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, excess alcohol consumption, some nerve disorder, etc. Prolonged sitting or lying down in the same position may restrict the blood flow through the concerned muscles and cause leg cramps.

People with low levels of certain minerals, like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium, leg cramps can be frequent. Use of some specific medications can also be the cause of leg cramps in some people. Drugs may also worsen the situation for those who are already affected by frequent leg cramps. Narrowing of the arteries of the legs, leads to poor blood circulation to the legs and can cause cramps. There are many other common conditions, which can be the reasons for leg cramps in bed.

How to Prevent Leg Cramps in Bed?
The most common treatment for leg cramps in bed is stretching exercises. Though researchers have a different opinion regarding the efficacy of this method, many people find it beneficial in preventing leg cramps to a large extent. Regular stretching of leg muscles, especially those in the calf, is effective.

In case of leg cramps in bed, you have to be careful about the sleeping posture. Though, there is no scientific evidence to prove the same, expert opinion is that a proper posture, that prevents the shortening of calf muscles, can be of much help in reducing the occurrence of leg cramps. If you like to sleep on your back, then prop your feet up with the help of a pillow. When sleeping on your front side, try to hang your feet over the end of the bed. Make sure that the blankets are loose and do not force the toes and feet to point downwards during sleep. Check whether any current medication is causing these muscle cramps. Warm showers before bed time can help to some extent.
Remedies

> For a list of natural remedies for night leg cramps click here

In case of leg cramps in bed, try some stretching. Gently massage the area and if there is persistent muscle discomfort, you can have a mild painkiller. Quinine tablets are also effective, but it can cause side effects in some people, especially pregnant women. Try this medicine, only after consulting your doctor. However, exercises are the best way to get rid of leg cramps in bed.

By Sonia Nair

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Muscles cramps caused by hypothyroidism

Muscles cramps and hypothyroidism are interrelated but do not consider it as the only reason for your regular muscular sprains. It is basically due to temporary contraction of muscular tissue which is experienced mostly at the time of excess physical strain. But if a person is experiencing a continuous muscular pain then it might be a sign of malfunctioning of the thyroid gland which in other words is also known as hypothyroidism.

Our body consists of voluntary and involuntary muscles. Voluntary muscles are the muscles which can be controlled by the human being themselves. There contraction and movement is controlled through the channel of brain and sensory nerves. However, if these muscles contract themselves and refuse to come to normal state themselves then it is called a muscle cramp. The reason for such a situation can be excess loss of fluid from the body due to prolonged physical stress which not only strains body muscles but also drains out water from the body.

Hormones like thyroxine define the energy levels of a person. It is basically the energy booster of the body muscles which processes body nutrients to provide energy to the muscles. Its level of production also defines how efficiently the food consumed is burned. Thyroxine is produced by thyroid gland. If thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones in the body then a person is likely to face  persistent muscle cramps.

Hypothyroidism is a hormone disorder which is mainly because of low levels of production of thyroxin hormone in the body. Thyroid gland is the most important gland in the body which not only has its individual function but regulates the working of other hormone glands as well. The thyroid gland looks after the growth and development of the body. It is also manages various other cellular processes as well. So, it is a very essential gland of our body which commands some very significant body functions.

For people having regular muscle pull thyromine is the best solution. It is a natural thyroid supplement that enhances the body functions by producing adequate amount of thyroid hormone. The best part is that it does not have any side effects. It can cure your muscle pains and injuries. However there are few precautions one needs to take along with regular medication. Here are a few precautions you need to take if you are suffering from hypothyroidism. Muscle cramps occur with excessive strain so do not over exert yourself. Massaging can be the best way to improve blood circulation. It will also enhance your muscular contraction and expansion which will give them strength and energy. Get a thyroid check regularly and keep your medication going until your thyroid gland works efficiently.

By Ryan English

Leg Cramps

The worst ones are the inner thigh cramps. They are crippling; and then the muscles are sore for days afterward. I think I get them when I am dehydrated. The “pinching the skin under the nose” trick has not helped me so far.

Finding Balance

5 miles later I got a small cramp in my inner thigh. This frustrates me because I’ve done lots of 12 hour days of climbing and hiking and have never had problems with cramping. But something about cycling — probably the insanely repetitive … Halfway up the climb, my right leg locked up and I knew it was game over.

How To Avoid Leg/Foot Cramps In Bed

Some doctors swear by these exercises to relieve nocturnal cramps, others aren’t sold. Either way, stretching will not hurt you, so if you try them and find they help you, that’s a good thing. Stretch your hamstrings, inner thigh 

How To Give Relief to Restless And Painful Legs

Glide up the leg from knee to groin, using one hand behind the other. This movement should be fairly slow and rhythmical. Make sure your movements cover the whole of the thigh area. Repeat four to five times. 3. Strokes the upper inner

It Must Be Noted

Two hours after eating Friday night, I had a vicious leg cramp in my left inner thigh. It was excruciating, and (in my mind) directly related to eating. Had I still been not eating, I firmly believe the cramp would not have happened. 

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