What causes leg cramps or aching in the calves during sleep at night?
May 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Leg soreness and swelling at night can be caused by overexertion, exposure to cold, calcium deficiency, lumbar disc herniation, fasciitis, and other similar conditions. It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly and follow the treatment guidance provided by a physician. Prolonged standing, walking, or engaging in vigorous activities during the day can lead to excessive fatigue in the calf muscles, resulting in a significant buildup of lactic acid. Lactic acid is a byproduct of anaerobic muscle metabolism, and excessive accumulation can irritate the muscles, causing a sensation of soreness and swelling.
Generally, leg soreness and swelling at night are caused by overexertion, getting chilled, calcium deficiency, lumbar disc herniation, myofascial inflammation, and other similar causes. Prompt medical attention is advised, and treatment should follow medical guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Overexertion: Prolonged standing, walking, or engaging in vigorous physical activity during the day can lead to excessive fatigue in the calf muscles, resulting in a buildup of lactic acid. During sleep, as the leg muscles relax, the lactic acid may cause a sensation of soreness and swelling in the calves. This condition does not require specific treatment and symptoms typically subside on their own with adequate rest and adjustment.
2. Getting chilled: During cold nights, if the calves are not properly kept warm, cold stimulation can cause muscle contraction and lead to a feeling of soreness and swelling. Additionally, exposure to cold may impair local blood circulation, worsening the discomfort. It is important to keep legs warm at night by wearing long pants or using warm blankets.
3. Calcium deficiency: Insufficient dietary calcium intake or poor calcium absorption can result in calcium deficiency. Calcium is an essential mineral for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function; a deficiency can increase muscle excitability, causing cramps and aching sensations. Calcium supplementation with medications such as calcium acetate granules, calcium lactate granules, or oyster shell calcium carbonate granules should be taken as directed by a physician.
4. Lumbar disc herniation: Lumbar disc herniation can compress nerve roots, disrupting nerve conduction. The calf muscles are innervated by the sciatic nerve, and when nerve compression occurs, it may cause soreness and swelling in the calves, often accompanied by lower back pain. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Xuefu Zhuyu Capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be used to promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and reduce inflammation.
5. Myofascial inflammation: Myofascial inflammation is a type of aseptic inflammatory condition, commonly caused by chronic strain due to incorrect posture. Inflammation can cause congestion and edema in the calf muscles and fascial tissues, leading to symptoms such as soreness, swelling, and pain, often accompanied by tenderness in the calf muscles. Under medical advice, medications such as indomethacin enteric-coated tablets, celecoxib capsules, or eperisone hydrochloride tablets may be used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and alleviate muscle tension.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits is also very important during treatment.
