What causes leg cramps at night?
Disease description:
I often experience leg cramps in the middle of the night while sleeping, and I also tend to get cramps when stretching in the morning. I would like to know what causes this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Leg cramps at night may be related to several factors:
1. Calcium deficiency: A lack of calcium can increase the excitability of neuromuscular junctions, leading to cramps. These cramps are particularly noticeable at night because blood calcium levels tend to be relatively lower during this time.
2. Fatigue: Muscles may easily become fatigued after prolonged standing, walking, engaging in heavy physical labor, or strenuous exercise, which can lead to cramps during nighttime rest.
3. Exposure to cold: If the sleeping environment is excessively cold, particularly causing the lower limbs and calves to become chilled, it can impair local blood circulation and lead to abnormal muscle spasms and cramping.
4. Muscle strain or injury: Intense physical activity or overexertion can easily cause strain or injury to muscles such as the gastrocnemius. Injured muscles may experience protective spasms during nighttime rest, resulting in cramps.
5. Lumbar spine disorders: Conditions such as lumbar disc herniation or lumbar spinal stenosis may compress the nerve roots of the lower limbs, causing abnormal nerve sensations and subsequently triggering cramps.
If cramps occur frequently or affect daily life, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
